The Mapleleaf Online

Mark N September 17th, 2007

Following major remodeling of its primary campus on Forest Rd., the French International School has devised a new Traffic Management Plan (TMP). Pending approval by the MCA and Board of Appeals, this TMP will supersede the existing one, which dates from 2003. The new plan has been in effect for over a year on a trial basis, and the feedback from the neighbors heard by the Neighborhood Liaison Committee has been very positive. In addition, despite the fact that the school operates the most extensive and highly utilized bus service of all of the private schools in the Washington area, the number of daily bus trips is anticipated to drop.

The essential elements of the new plan are summarized below. The MCA membership will vote on its approval of the plan at the upcoming meeting on September 19.

Cars: Primary access to the campus by carpooling parents, some faculty, student drivers and administrative staff is via Montgomery Drive. When picking up students, drivers enter via Montgomery Drive, remain in their cars, and wait in queuing lines along Access Road. Security guards direct cars while drivers wait for students to arrive at the shelter on Access Road for pickup. If a driver prefers to park, s/he may do so in the parking lot adjacent to the shelter. No right turn onto Forest Place is permitted upon exiting the campus. Some faculty arrive via Forest Road. Secondary access by visitors, buses and temporary pickup is also via Forest Road.

Buses: The French International School transports over 55% of its total enrollment. The anticipated number of daily bus trips for 2007/08 is 80, excluding field trips and extra-curricular activities. This drop reflects a consolidation of two routes.

Drop-off and pick-up is done around the central circle. A shuttle bus that circulates between campuses makes a brief stop on Access Rd. prior to dropping students on the circle. No buses are parked on the school premises.

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