In 2004, Bannock Planning Organization along with the Cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck contracted RMES to conduct a school zone study in School District #25. This was done on the advice of BPO’s Policy Board.

Fifteen schools were selected to study in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area. Each school presented potential safety hazards due to non-uniform traffic controls, school zone lengths, and other potential hazards. Traffic studies were conducted at each identified school to aid in the evaluation process.

• Traffic Volume and gap Studies
• Sight Distance Studies
• Spot Speed Study
• Inventory of Existing Traffic Control

A traffic control plan was established for each school in accordance with the MUTCD – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. A committee composed of engineers, planning organizers, public transportation officials, law enforcement officials, school administrators and school PTA representatives was formed to assist by proposing changes to traffic controls for each school studied.

Several public meetings were held to inform the public of the recommended standards, potential changes and to obtain input on suggested plans.

The report outlines all of the recommended traffic controls at each of the identified schools. The schools not included in the study were recommended to be improved according to the standards outlined in the report and the MUTCD.

Implementing a standard for all the school zones in the Pocatello and Chubbuck areas will create a safer environment for both the walking students and the traveling motorists.

The entire document can be found on Bannock Planning Organization’s website www.bannockplanning.org under the documents section.