Neighbors say school access road is handling more traffic than promised; council seeks answers from district

Several Waterloo council members raised concerns about increased vehicle traffic using an access road from Sager Street to the rear of the new high school that had been promised to serve bus traffic only. Council member Mr. Bozen said residents were told the route would be "strictly for bus traffic only" and cited the school system's statement that there would be "only gonna be 14 buses a day." Bozen and others said Larson Construction's work closing the south end of the school forced additional access changes and that a sign now lists "students, staff, deliveries, buses" with an estimated 80 to 120 vehicles using the road on some days. Council member Mr. Simon said he had received pictures and complaints and asked staff to determine where responsibility rests and whether the city can remedy the situation; staff advised contacting the school (Aster Williams or another district representative) as the district owns the area. Council members also noted the city had taken dust-control measures after complaints about gravel and blowing dust. The council did not take formal action but directed staff and councilors to follow up with the school system about promised use and possible remedies.