The 2018-19 school year for Williamson County Schools begins August 10, 2018 with a half day for most students. For the first time, there will be nine active school zones in the City of Brentwood. Jordan Elementary School, located on Split Log Road, is the newest school in Brentwood. They plan to serve about 400 students. The new school combined with a new traffic signal at Split Log Road and Ragsdale will create new traffic patterns. Brentwood Police urge parents and anyone driving through this area to slow down.
Brentwood Police Traffic Division Lieutenant, Scott Graham, advises that the school zone speed limit is 15 miles per hour. “Vehicles are used to traveling 30 to 40 miles per hour through these areas now. Slowing down to 15 mph will be a significant difference to what people are accustomed to,” Lt. Graham said.
Across town at Scales Elementary on Murray Lane, construction is underway for new classrooms and parking. According to Williamson County Schools, due to the construction, all walkers will be kept at school until after all buses and car riders have left. The car entrance will move back to the northern entrance with additional stacking area provided on the school campus. Williamson County Schools spokesperson, Carol Birdsong said, “We hope this will reduce the traffic backing up on Murray Lane like we saw last year.”
Police urge you to slow down in designated school zones and remember never to pass a school bus. Illegally passing a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor citation and punishable with a fine up to $1,000. Also, a new state law makes it illegal to use a cell phone in a school zone. TCA 55-8-207, which went into effect on January 1, prohibits the use of a handheld mobile device in an active school zone. Drivers over 18 are permitted to talk on their phone in a school zone only while using a hands-free device. Drivers under 18, however, are prohibited, completely, from talking on their phone while driving — even with a hands-free device.
Brentwood Police want all students to arrive and depart school safely each day of the upcoming school year.
