KAMLOOPS SD 73 and the City of Kamloops will work together to implement a number of immediate, high-impact traffic options at Westmount Elementary School designed to alleviate vehicle congestion and improve pedestrian safety.
The traffic options were shared with the Westmount Parents Advisory's Council and school parents at a meeting Monday. Senior managers from the School District No. 73 (Kamloops/Thompson) and the City were on hand to share the plan and field questions. The improvements will be implemented by September 2018.
The meeting follows a report from an independent traffic consultant hired by SD 73 and the City to propose options at the school that could improve safety. The consultant was hired after a close call between a student and a vehicle earlier this year.
Westmount Elementary School has long suffered issues related to traffic congestion. The situation has been exacerbated by the school's increasing student population coupled with its location on a short cul-de-sac adjacent to a very busy commuter road.
The options to be implemented include:
- Installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Westsyde Road and Walkem road to better service traffic exiting Walkem Road.
- Improving a vehicle drop-off lane at the school to accommodate several vehicles at a time.
- Improving safety at the bus stop on Westsyde Road near the school, by increasing the size of the waiting pad and installing roadside barriers to better separate the bus stop from Westsyde Road.
- Implementation of an enhanced supervision program at the school that will see more SD 73 staff outside during busy periods to monitor key crossing areas and ensure the safety of students.
- Expanding City transit service to newly developed areas within the school catchment area in the Bachelor Heights neighbouhood.
SD 73 Board Chair Meghan Wade said she is grateful the school district and the City came together in quick fashion to address parental and community concerns.
"Student safety is paramount for us and we hope these improvements will help to make the environment around the school safer for everyone. This has been a long-standing issue that needed to be addressed," she said. "It wouldn't have happened without cooperation from the City."
"The City holds a strong relationship with SD 73 and we are pleased with the outcome of this joint effort to improve the safety and mobility of pedestrians and motorists alike." says Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.
The costs of the improvements will be carried by SD 73 and the City. The school district will be responsible for the improved drop-off lane and increased supervision (approximate cost $45,000) while the City will install the traffic light and improve the Westsyde Road bus stop (approximate cost $125,000).
