TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is addressing traffic concerns at Kennedy-Powell Elementary School with the construction of a new stacking loop at the northwest Temple campus.
The current pick-up and drop-off pattern at Kennedy-Powell Elementary School brings vehicles into the campus from Cearley Road to the west of the facility. Several parents and community members expressed concerns to TISD about traffic backing up onto Airport Road during peak times. In response, Temple ISD is now building a stacking loop that will access Kennedy-Powell Elementary from West Nugent Avenue to the north of the campus and loop around behind the school building. The goal of the new stacking loop is to create a safer and more efficient way for cars to access the campus during peak drop-off and pick-up times without traffic backing up onto a major thoroughfare.
“As we work with parents and community members it is important to demonstrate that we listen and respond,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools for Temple ISD. “I believe that this is equally as important as addressing the safety needs around the expressed traffic concerns.”
Temple ISD was also able to work with two local companies on the project. MRB handled the design work and Cloud Construction is building the new stacking loop. The total project cost will be approximately $420,000 and TISD is paying for the project out of fund balance. The construction project is currently underway and will be ready for use when school starts in the fall of 2025.
“Working with local professional services, where employees have children that attend our schools, ensures they complete these projects that meet the safety standards shared by our parents, community, and school district.” Ott added.
There will also be a second piece to the safety aspect provided by the new stacking loop. The new road will also be wide enough to serve as an emergency access lane for Kennedy-Powell Elementary. Campus administrators will communicate changes to the drop-off and pick-up traffic patterns prior to the start of school in the fall.