Cold Temps Prompt Driving Changes Near Glen Rock Schools

Residents in Glen Rock can expect changes in the driving, parking, and drop off rules near the borough's middle high school complex, thanks to an increase in traffic caused by recurring cold temperatures this winter.

In a message to residents, borough officials announced a bottleneck traffic issue occurring at drop-off and pick-up times at the schools that has made for a "dangerous" situation for pedestrians.

The joint message from the Glen Rock Police Department and public school system was posted on the borough's Facebook page Monday.

The message posted is below:

The recent severe drop in temperatures as increased the amount of vehicle traffic at arrival and dismissal times for the MS/HS complex. The resultant bottlenecks along school routes have caused a dangerous increase in near misses for pedestrians. In order to protect our students to the best of our ability, the school district is joining with the Glen Rock Police Department to make the following improvements effective Monday, Feb. 3:

No Left Turn on Kirkwood Place 

The “No Left Turn” ordinance onto Kirkwood Place from Radburn Road will be reinstated during school hours on school days. A barricade will be in place to assist with enforcement. Vehicles must enter Kirkwood northbound on Radburn.

Student Drop-off/Pick-up Area 

The student drop-off/pick-up area remains along the south side of Kirkwood Place, across from the entrance to the high school. Students should be dropped off along the right curb of Kirkwood Place ONLY. The center lane will remain open for through traffic and to allow staff members to enter and exit the Hamilton parking lot. Once a student has been safely discharged, vehicles are asked to pull away from the curb into the “Through Traffic” lane and proceed with caution to exit at Harristown Road. Drivers are reminded that dropping students off in the “Through Traffic” lane is an extremely hazardous practice; it needs to cease immediately. A crossing guard is posted at the high school entrance to assist students with crossing the driveway.

Staff parking access

District staff will continue to enter the parking lot via the “Through Traffic” lane. Only vehicles displaying staff parking permits or district employee identification will have access to the high school parking lot during arrival and dismissal times. There will be no public access to that lot or the Hamilton Circle during arrival and dismissal times.

Drivers are asked to heed these necessary changes to ensure student safety and a reasonable flow of traffic. As weather permits, drivers are encouraged to continue to utilize nearby side streets for drop-off and pick-up of students. A crossing guard is posted at the intersection of Belmont Road and Harristown Road to assist students who can then easily enter or exit the building through the Auditorium or Hamilton lobbies.