The City of Independence and Independence Local Schools are joining forces on a much-anticipated project to improve traffic flow and enhance safety at Independence Primary School (IPS). Construction is now underway on a new rear access driveway off Brecksville Road, designed to alleviate the significant congestion that has long challenged families during student drop-off and pick-up times.
For years, the District has explored solutions to the traffic backups that frequently stretched along Hillside Road to Route 21. The collaboration between the City, the Police Department, and District leaders gained new momentum over the summer when City Engineer Donald Ramm began coordinating with utility companies and contractors to evaluate designs and costs.
“The safety of our students is—and must always be—everyone’s top priority,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “The City has truly stepped up as a strong partner in helping the District move this project forward, and I deeply appreciate their collaboration and commitment to our schools.”
The project includes the construction of a 12-foot-wide, 800-foot-long access drive along property owned by FirstEnergy beneath the company’s high-tension power lines. The new roadway will feature a 6-inch-thick, fiber-reinforced concrete surface on a 6-inch aggregate base, with a gated entrance near Brecksville Road. The gate will remain locked except during student arrival and dismissal times on school days.
Additional work on Brecksville Road includes removing and replacing approximately 180 feet of raised center island to create a dedicated left-turn lane for southbound traffic entering the new access road. This will allow vehicles to turn safely without obstructing through traffic.
City Council awarded the construction contract to Catts Construction, Inc. for $190,000, along with an additional $10,000 easement payment to FirstEnergy to allow construction on their property. The goal is to complete the project within the next two months, weather permitting.
Currently, about 130 students are picked up and dropped off daily at Independence Primary School, which also runs seven bus routes. Once complete, the new access road will ease congestion, improve traffic safety, and provide emergency responders with an additional entry point to the campus.
“This project is a wonderful example of city-school collaboration,” said Cogan. “By working together, we’re creating a safer, more efficient environment for our students, families, and community.”