Traffic Jam

Utilizing Garrett Road or surrounding areas between the times of 8:45-9:20 AM and 4:00-4:40 has become an extreme inconvenience for residents of Durham. Stemming from Jordan’s arrival and dismissals, the abundance of students and parents at these times causes extreme backups, not only in the carpool lane, but also on Garrett Rd.

Devak Coltrane, a junior, explained that it takes around 10-15 minutes to leave the parking lot. He added commentary on the situation, saying, “I think it’s not the best handled system, it’s also difficult to get to school in the morning.”

Devak also expressed frustration with the traffic in the mornings when arriving at school. “If you come around 8:45 or after that it’s pretty backed up on both sides [of Garrett].”

On most days, there is an officer standing at the intersection between Garrett Rd and the entrance to the student parking lot, but on others, there is no one present to direct traffic. Addison Ogle, a junior, expressed the positive effects of a traffic cop’s presence, saying that, “if there is a cop…it helps things move a lot smoother.”

Mrs. Finger, a science teacher, echoed frustrations similar to Coltrane’s, explaining that the traffic can add 15 to 20 minutes onto her commute to pick her daughter up from preschool.

There is a potential solution to the issue, currently being designed by the City of Durham. An extension of Woodcroft Parkway that would extend to intersect with Garrett Rd and the middle entrance to Jordan High School, along with the addition of a traffic light at the new intersection. Danica Laan, a junior, said that she thinks adding the extension and light would really help the situation.

As of right now, final plans for this concept will be presented in a community meeting in the Spring of 2024.

An image of the current plan for the Woodcroft Pkwy. extension

If you have any comments or concerns about Durham’s proposed solution, more information as well as a survey and interactive map can be found at the link below.

https://durham.mysocialpinpoint.com/woodcroft-parkway-extension-project