Temple ISD Addresses Traffic Concerns at Kennedy-Powell Elementary with New Stacking Loop

TEMPLE – The Temple Independent School District (TISD) is taking significant steps to address traffic concerns at Kennedy-Powell Elementary School with the construction of a new stacking loop at the northwest Temple campus.

Currently, the pick-up and drop-off pattern at Kennedy-Powell Elementary brings vehicles into the campus from Cearley Road to the west. Several parents and community members have raised concerns about traffic backing up onto Airport Road during peak times. In response, TISD is constructing a new stacking loop that will access the school from West Nugent Avenue to the north and loop around behind the school building. This new design aims to create a safer and more efficient way for cars to access the campus during peak times, preventing traffic congestion on major thoroughfares.

Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools for Temple ISD, emphasized the importance of community feedback, “As we work with parents and community members, it is important to demonstrate that we listen and respond. I believe that this is equally as important as addressing the safety needs around the expressed traffic concerns.”

TISD collaborated with two local companies on this project. MRB handled the design work, while Cloud Construction is responsible for building the new stacking loop. The total project cost is approximately $420,000, funded from the district’s fund balance. The construction is currently underway and is expected to be ready for use when school starts in the fall of 2025.

Dr. Ott highlighted the value of working with local professional services, “Working with local professional services, where employees have children that attend our schools, ensures they complete these projects that meet the safety standards shared by our parents, community, and school district.”

In addition to improving traffic flow, the new stacking loop will also serve as an emergency access lane for Kennedy-Powell Elementary. Campus administrators will communicate changes to the drop-off and pick-up traffic patterns before the start of the school year in the fall.