Valley View getting long-desired traffic signal
By Kyle Jorrey kjorrey@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HELP WANTED- A view of the four-way stop at Walnut and Tapo streets after classes let out at Valley View Middle School on Wednesday afternoon. The city said last week that it would be installing a new traffic signal at that location over the summer in response to concerns of drivers, students and school personnel.

It's not every day that audience members stand up and applaud after a reading of the City Council's consent calendar, a collection of business-related items that the council approves every meeting with a single vote, often with no discussion.

But that's exactly what occurred earlier this month after it was announced that the city would be installing a new traffic signal this summer at the intersection of Tapo and Walnut streets, directly in front of Valley View Middle School: The ovation was proof that this was no ordinary public works project.

"It has been several years in the making where parents and staff members have really been requesting a signal light be put there for the safety of the students," said Valley View Principal Terry Webb, who was not in attendance at the May 7 meeting.

According to Ron Fuchiwaki, assistant director of public works, the city recently conducted a study that confirmed the need for the signal- and justified its approximately $200,000 price tag.

"There is a lot of activity going on there all at one time for the school's arrival and departure periods," Fuchiwaki said. "(The signal) will organize the pedestrian traffic much better and allow increased traffic flow."

Webb, who's been at Valley View for seven years, said there have been no reports of accidents involving students and vehicles during her tenure at the school. Still, she said, the feeling around campus was "it's only a matter of time."

"As it stands now . . . it's a four-way stop. Unfortunately, our students kind of trickle out in very small numbers and that's made for congestion," Webb said. "Sometimes drivers in a hurry get anxious and frustrated; I just think the signal will alleviate some of the rushing. . . . We believe it's for the better of the safety of our students."

Fuchiwaki said public works coordinated with the school district so the new light could be installed during the summer when classes aren't in session. He said he expects the new signal to be functioning by the time Valley View reopens its door in August.