Calvary Lutheran seeks safety changes on Route B

Speed-limit reduction, flashing lights sought near school

Calvary Lutheran High School leaders have embarked upon a project to make it safer for drivers entering and exiting the school's property.

The proposed solution is a set of two solar flashing lights combined with a reduction in the speed limit from 60 mph to 45 during high-traffic times on school days. To that end, supporters of the school are hoping to raise $12,944, the anticipated cost for the purchase of and installation of the equipment.

Principal Erich Ahlers said traffic on Route B from both Wardsville and Jefferson City can be heavy during both morning and afternoon drive times.

"Our driveway is just past a gradual curve that doesn't allow you to see" oncoming traffic from a distance, Ahlers noted.

Drivers struggle not only to safely pull into the school's parking lot, but they also are challenged to enter traffic on Route B. He said the period from 7:15-8 a.m. is particularly difficult, but problems for drivers crop up in the afternoon as well.

The speed-limit reduction won't be enacted until the safety lights are put into place, he said.

Ahlers said the situation isn't "dangerous," or the Missouri Department of Transportation would not have approved the school's entrance a few years ago. But he added school officials would like to make the situation safer for all involved.

"I worry about teenaged drivers, and their parents, too," he said.

With the reduction in speed, he said wrecks - if they do happen - will be less damaging.

"If a student makes a bad decision, then everybody will be moving at a lower rate of speed," he suggested.

The 45-mph speed zone would only be in force at times when the school zone is activated, a decision the Missouri Department of Transportation will weigh in on, Ahlers said.

In an email to supporters of the school district, Executive Director John Engelbrecht wrote conversations with Cole County commissioners, MoDOT officials, state representatives and local law enforcement determined the cost of the safety devices is Calvary's responsibility.

"Once the flashers are purchased, MoDOT has agreed to maintain them," he noted.

In his email, Engelbrecht asked supporters to consider assisting school administrators with the cost of the flashing lights by contributing to a safety fund.

"All gifts received will be placed in this fund to cover the expense ... excess funds will be used for other safety concerns at the school," he added.

So far, they have raised $2,500 and expect more pledges soon.

For more questions or to contribute to the fund, contact Engelbrecht at [email protected] or 573-638-0228.