Lake Jackson City Council has approved a significant traffic management plan aimed at enhancing safety during school drop-off and pick-up times at Rasco Middle School. The plan, presented by Chief Morrow, involves temporarily closing the northbound lanes of Lake Road during peak school hours—specifically from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:45 PM to 4:15 PM.

The initiative is designed to improve student and pedestrian safety, streamline the parent drop-off process, and reduce congestion and confusion in the area. Chief Morrow emphasized the importance of protecting students, stating, “Our number one priority at Brazoria Independent School District is to protect our students and ensure they get to school safely.”

The new traffic pattern includes a designated stacking lane that can accommodate up to 133 vehicles, allowing parents to drop off their children without blocking traffic. This change comes after a chaotic first day of school, where over 600 parents attempted to drop off their kids, leading to significant traffic backups. Adjustments have since been made to improve the flow, including increased drop-off locations and better communication with parents about the new procedures.

Council members expressed support for the plan, recognizing the need for effective traffic management around schools. The council's approval allows the temporary closure to proceed, with the understanding that the situation will be monitored and adjustments made as necessary. The goal is to create a safer environment for students while minimizing disruption to local traffic.