Lafayette High’s New School Year Begins With Major Traffic Flow Changes
(Lafayette, Louisiana) - The work continues on the brand new Lafayette High School on West Congress Street, and the new buildings that have already been finished are going to be used by students, faculty, parents, and other staff, but there will be a new traffic procedure.
While construction is underway at the school, the new building offers an amazing upgrade for the school. Here's a sneak peak from our news partners at KATC.
Officials with the Lafayette Parish School System hope that all drivers visiting Lafayette High School will use the new traffic flow driving plan to make the experience easier for everyone.
What's Happening At Lafayette High School?
Renovations and demolition of Lafayette High School continue. Last year, students were able to see the new gym that was built, and it was well-received by everyone.
As the work continues building more facilities as part of the large Lafayette High School rebuilding project, a new traffic flow plan for the school is being announced.
According to Tracy Wirtz, Communications Director with the Lafayette Parish School System, officials have announced a new traffic flow pattern for the school to help streamline traffic.
They aim to simplify the process of dropping off and picking up kids, whether you're a parent, a bus driver, or a school staff member.
Hopefully, this will streamline the process for all other drivers who use West Congress, Foreman Drive, and Marie Antoinette to navigate around Lafayette by using those roadways.
Here is what the traffic flow pattern for the new school year at Lafayette High School will look like.
This graphic shows how each driver should proceed when getting to Lafayette High School.
The new plan is one that the System's officials are hoping will make life easier for everyone who has to drive to and from Lafayette High School.
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The new traffic flow plan for everyone relies heavily on drivers using Marie Antoinette.
How Does The New Traffic Flow Plan Work For Parents?
Okay, parents, here's what you need to know if you are planning to drop off your kids at school.
It might be a good idea to leave earlier than usual, as all drivers in that area are working to figure out the new plan.
Plus, added traffic is going to slow things down.
Enter from Congress onto Marie Antoinette.
Turn right on McDonald Street.
Turn right onto Foreman Drive.
AFTER the buses leave at 6:45, turn right onto Susan Drive and immediately turn left into the bus lane.
Buses dropping students off will be given priority to access the bus lane ahead of car riders.
Exit the drop-off lane and continue on Foreman toward Congress.
How Does The New Traffic Flow Plan Work For Buses?
Even if your children don't use the buses, it's still a good idea to know what they will be doing.
Here is the plan,
Buses will enter from Congress onto Marie Antoinette.
Turn right onto Susan Drive.
Turn right from Susan Drive into the bus lane.
Buses will exit the lane onto Foreman.
How Does The New Traffic Flow Plan Work For Student Drivers?
If your child drives to school or will begin driving to school for their first time this year, make sure you have reviewed this with them.
Student drivers should follow the traffic pattern and may park in the concrete lot behind the school, located next to the football stadium. Enter the lot through the gate on Marie Antoinette.
When Does Lafayette High School Have Their First Day Of School?
The first students return for their first day of classes at Lafayette High School for the 25-26 school year on Thursday, August 7.
This year, high school students will be going to their first day of school by their grade level:
- August 07, 2025: 10th & 12th grade students ONLY report to school
- August 08, 2025: 9th and 11thgrade students ONLY report to school
- August 11, 2025: ALL high school students report to school and thereafter.
What Other Important Information Should Students And Parents Know?
There is one street around Lafayette High School that is only designated for buses, and that street is Susan Drive. So, drivers are asked not to turn onto Susan Drive from Marie Antoinette!
You can proceed down Marie Antoinette and use McDonald Street. You can also go a little further on Marie Antoinette to Dulles.
According to the school system, ONLY RIGHT TURNS onto Foreman Drive when you are leaving the high school.
You can't use Susan Drive if you're coming from Marie Antoinette, as that street is being designated only for buses.
The Lafayette Parish School System officials are asking everyone to have patience and to proceed with caution when dropping off and picking up. This new traffic flow plan will take a while for drivers to get used to.
And, don't forget to slow down in school zones. No one needs a ticket.
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Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang
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