City to consider added stop signs to slow traffic around Longfellow Middle

New stop signs are getting considered for streets around La Crosse’s Longfellow Middle School.

Teachers at Longfellow are leading the charge on this one, saying that speeding traffic around the school has worsened and lives are in danger.

In the county health department, Safe Routes to School coordinator Ginny Loehr says it makes perfect sense that teachers would be out in front of the issue.

“There out there seeing it from their classroom or trying to help kids getting across when maybe parents aren’t always with their kids to see it,” Loehr said. “If kids are walking on their own already or just being dropped off, but the teachers are there everyday to see the issues.”

Teachers have complained about several close calls between cars and students and adults.

They say the problems are getting worse as drivers appear more and more distracted behind the wheel.

City engineering staff have recommended against the additional signs but Loehr believes the city will come through with some method to make the area safer.

“They have historically been a great partner in the past,” Loehr said. “We’ve made so many improvements near schools, as part of safe routes to school programming — sidewalks and signage. They are really onboard with making school neighborhoods safer.”

The city is considering adding or moving stop signs at several intersections around the school and may consider adding curb bump outs or traffic circles in the future.