The Signal Mountain Town Council plans to form a committee of citizens tasked with finding possible solutions for the traffic situation and safety concerns surrounding the lack of a second entrance to Signal Mountain Middle/High School.
Currently, the only way to access the school is Sam Powell Drive, which is also used as an entrance to Nolan Elementary, although Nolan has another entrance off North Shackleford Ridge Road as well. Vice Mayor Amy Speek, a Signal Mountain Middle/High parent, said having just a single entrance causes long wait times for parents dropping off and picking up their children from school. It also causes safety concerns, as emergency personnel would not be able to reach the school quickly in the case of an emergency, she said.
"I really think that is something that we need to be looking at for the safety of our schools and the community," Speek said at the council's Dec. 10 meeting. She also suggested forming a citizen committee similar to those created to study the viability of the town forming an independent school system and the viability of the town keeping its municipal water system.
Building a roundabout to help alleviate traffic is one option that's been discussed, said Speek. Town Manager Boyd Veal said the town has also discussed with representatives from the county the possibility of cutting a second entrance through county property adjacent to the school.
Councilwoman Susannah Murdock suggested a traffic study be conducted to give the committee a blueprint from which to work.
Members of the council plan to discuss at their next work session what they would like the committee to look into. The work session is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 28 at 12:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.