Willow Springs Schools announce new pick-up/drop-off procedures

Willow Springs drivers – take notice! New drop-off and pick-up procedures around the campus of Willow Springs R-IV School District mean some roads will now be one-way and others will be gated during school hours. 

 

“All vehicles for pick-up and drop-off should now line up from Campbell to Third Street, instead of Campbell to Main Street,” announced the district on August 1. “This adjustment is designed to prevent traffic congestion that has previously overwhelmed the pick-up line, blocked Casey's parking lot, and shut down parts of Main Street. Redirecting traffic to Third Street will help alleviate congestion on Main Street and around Casey'. Previously, the drop-off location was on High Street without utilizing the parking lot. The new procedures aim to utilize the parking lot and streamline traffic flow and enhance safety for all.”

 

The new one-way streets are:

*Campbell Street from Fourth to High Street

*High Street from Campbell to Garfield

 

As previously reported by Howell County News, the school district approached the board of aldermen in May with the proposal to alter the flow of traffic. Then as now, the priority is the safety of all. In that discussion, the traffic at the school during drop-off/pick-up times was described as, “a gaggle,” and “absolute chaos.”

 

City council members were anxious that residents on the affected streets would be slow to adjust to the change. One-way streets and gating will only be in effect during the school year from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on school days.

 

Ultimately, the aldermen unanimously approved the school’s proposal. 

 

Ferguson from Main Street to the school and from the school to Tenth will remain a two-way street, and High Street from the school to Center will remain a two-way street, heard the aldermen in May.

 

Newly installed 30-foot gates will close the section of Ferguson Street from the Hicks House to the bottom of entrance to Munford Gym during school hours, said superintendent Dr. Marty Spence Monday morning. These gates are expected to add protection for students walking to school, boarding and exiting the buses, and entering and exiting the student parking lot, record the May meeting minutes.