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As part of the upcoming improvements at Carl Traeger Elementary School, funded by the community-approved referendum, a traffic impact analysis was completed. This study is a vital step in planning for safe and efficient traffic flow around the expanded school facilities.

Community Input

A draft of the preliminary findings of the traffic study was shared at a community meeting held at Carl Traeger Elementary and Middle School on April 22nd. Approximately 20 community members, including neighbors, parents, teachers, and staff, attended to provide initial feedback. This valuable input is now being carefully reviewed and will help shape the final recommendations of the study, which will then be formally submitted to the City of Oshkosh. A follow-up on-site meeting with city representatives is also planned to gather further input and ensure alignment with city planning considerations.

Additionally, the district continues to be in contact with the Fox Chase Neighborhood Association and will be engaging with neighbors to ensure their feedback is gathered and solutions can be collaboratively proposed.

Preliminary Concepts for Traffic Improvements

Based on the initial analysis and the feedback received, the traffic study is exploring several concepts for enhancing traffic flow around the Carl Traeger site. These preliminary ideas include:

• Expansion of Inbound Lanes: Exploring the feasibility of expanding the existing entry drive to accommodate two lanes of traffic entering the site, which could help alleviate congestion during drop-off times.
• Consideration of a Two-Lane Exit with Traffic Control Intersection: Evaluating the possibility of reconfiguring the exit drive onto 20th Avenue to include two lanes, managed by a traffic control intersection to improve the flow of vehicles leaving the school.
• Evaluation of Traffic Signal Needs: Assessing the need for traffic signals at key intersections - 20th Avenue and Oakwood Avenue and 20th Avenue and the school driveway - to enhance safety and manage traffic movement.
• Addressing Neighbor Concerns about Driveways: The study is also taking into account the feedback shared by neighbors regarding the density of driveway access points in the area. The final recommendations will aim to consider these concerns.

Ongoing Collaboration with the City

This traffic study is being conducted in close coordination with the City of Oshkosh. The feedback from the April 22 community meeting will be a significant part of the information shared with the city, and the follow-up meeting with city representatives present will be crucial for a collaborative approach to the final traffic plan.

Anticipated Implementation Timeline

The implementation of any recommended traffic flow enhancements is anticipated to align with the construction timeline for the Carl Traeger Elementary School addition, currently slated for the summer of 2026. 

Building on Our Commitment

It's important to note that while the district has conducted traffic studies at the Carl Traeger site in the past, this current analysis is different because it is specifically funded through a dedicated line item in the community-approved referendum budget, directly supporting the upcoming expansion project.

We appreciate the community's participation in this ongoing process and will continue to provide updates as the traffic study progresses.