First Alert Traffic: Roadway safety enhanced for the first day of school

First Alert Traffic: New Vehicle Detection System in St. Johns County

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — As the new school year begins Monday, Aug. 12, St. Johns County is implementing enhanced safety measures to ensure a smooth transition for students, parents, and staff.

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Innovative Roadway Technology

Drivers traveling along Timberwolf Trail and CR16A will notice new signs and flashing beacons installed as part of a newly implemented Vehicle Detection System (VDS), the first of its kind on St. Johns County roads. This system aims to enhance safety by using radar technology to detect vehicles approaching the intersection.

When a vehicle is detected on Timberwolf Trail, flashing red beacons activate to remind drivers to make a complete stop and watch for oncoming traffic. On CR16A, yellow beacons alert drivers to slow down and remain vigilant for vehicles entering from Timberwolf Trail.

“There’s a new school opening up on Timberwolf Trail, and this is a new traffic pattern for the area,” said Greg Caldwell, St. Johns County Public Works director. “We want to make sure that everyone is aware of this side road connector.”

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Additional Safety Measures at Trout Creek Academy

To further assist with the updated traffic pattern and familiarity with the VDS system, a St. Johns County Sheriff’s public service assistant will be present at Trout Creek Academy at the beginning of the school year to monitor traffic flow and offer help as needed. “We’re going to actually see what goes on and do better to ensure the safety of our children and parents dropping off,” said Sheriff Robert Hardwick of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. “So, it’s going to take some time.”

All schools in the St. Johns County School District have a youth resource officer from either the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office or the St. Augustine Police Department assigned to them. Parents and students are encouraged to get to know their resource officer and reach out to them with any questions.

Drivers in the area should anticipate slowdowns, intermittent backups, and turn-only lanes as part of the new traffic pattern near Trout Creek Academy. “That right turn only, that can be a little irritating,” said Marithza Ross during a Zoom interview.

“Yes, we will have people crossing the street, its not only a traffic safety issue, it’s a timing issue, and it could take longer for people to come in and out of the school,” responded Brennan Asplan, St. Johns County Deputy Superintendent.

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Preparing for School Year Traffic

Action News Jax’s Marithza Ross reminds all drivers to be aware of nearby school start and stop times. For example, at Trout Creek Academy, morning drop-off begins at 7:40 a.m., while afternoon pick-up starts at 2:20 p.m. Drivers should expect higher traffic volumes with potential slowdowns and backups approximately an hour before and after these times.

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