Jacksboro considers one-way streets, no parking near middle school campus

In an effort to reduce school traffic congestion, the City of Jacksboro has scheduled a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 28 at City Hall to discuss altering traffic patterns on 4th and 6th streets near Jacksboro Middle School.
 

The current proposal would make North 6th Street between Belknap and Live Oak a one-way street going north, and make North 4th Street between Belknap and Live Oak a one-way street going south.
 

The proposal would also prohibit parking along those streets from 7-8:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. on school days.

Residents near the middle school approached the city in June asking for a change that would make the streets safer for vehicles and pedestrians.
 

Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith agreed traffic near the school was a concern, especially regarding public safety.
 

“They’re narrow streets and if you do have to park there, oncoming traffic and school buses can hardly get by,” Smith said. “[The fire department] could have a hard time getting down there for a house fire.”
 

The city sent letters, dated July 7, to residents in the area asking for feedback on the proposal. In addition to changing street directions and limiting parking, some residents along the one-way streets would have to place their poly carts for trash pick-up across the street to accommodate the one-way streets. 
 

Other considerations were how altering traffic patterns could affect student drop-off and pick-up at the middle school.
 

“If 90% of people say they don’t want this, we won’t change,” Smith said. “But I don’t see that.”
 

The hearing will be open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend and participate.