City to make changes to improve safety near Richards Elementary

Columbus will redirect traffic and restrict stopping and parking near Richards Elementary School to improve pedestrian safety.

The Columbus Board of Works on Tuesday approved a plan to alleviate traffic backing up along Fairlawn Drive and Par 3 Drive near the school each morning and afternoon.

The changes, which will go into effect next week, will prohibit parking or stopping on Fairlawn between Kennedy Drive and the northeastern driveway to First Baptist Church.

The restriction will be in effect during the morning drop-off of students between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and during the afternoon pick-up hours between 2 and 3:30 p.m., said Dave Hayward, executive director of public works/city engineer.

The city also plans to re-stripe pavement on Fairlawn to a three-lane section that will allow northbound turning vehicles to wait in the curb lane without blocking the through lane, Hayward said. In addition, eastbound left turns onto Par 3 Drive from Fairlawn will be prohibited during the morning and afternoon hours.

For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.