A Letter from Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Robert Shaner
Robert Shaner
Dear RCS Families,
Since last fall, the district has been actively evaluating the traffic flow around Adams High School to address community safety concerns. We would like to share our ongoing plans for improvement.
In cooperation with traffic and safety consultants and our partners at the City of Rochester Hills, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Road Commission for Oakland County, we have undergone a thorough and comprehensive traffic assessment. Based on that data, several options are under consideration and many require extensive approvals from regulatory agencies.
After careful analysis with our community partners, updates to enhance traffic safety near Rochester Adams High School are as follows:
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Static speed-zone reduction signs were installed along Tienken Road, near the school, in January. The new speed limit is 25 mph from 7-7:30 a.m. and 2:25-3 p.m. on school days. Since the signs were installed, there have been no traffic incidents.
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The City of Rochester Hills submitted its application for LED speed-zone signs to be installed by Oakland County. The request is for two signs, one for eastbound drivers and one for westbound traffic, to be located on Tienken Road near Adams High School. The new LED signs are more visible to drivers and would replace the static speed-zone signs installed by the city. Digital radar signs are already located on Adams Road, north of the high school to remind drivers to slow down in the school zone.
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The installation of additional lighting has been approved at the three Adams parking lot entrances along Tienken, increasing visibility for motorists and pedestrians. Because the fixtures will be located on city property, the City of Rochester Hills and DTE are determining the exact placement and timeframe of the installation.
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New directional signage has been installed in the parking lot drop-off loop to help increase traffic flow as efficiently as possible and provide drivers with clear instructions. Additional signage reminds drivers to be attentive and avoid distractions.
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In partnership with law enforcement officials, patrol car presence is increased as needed. Citations are issued to drivers who exceed the speed limit. During high-traffic hours, police officers may also be called to assist with traffic direction and supervision.
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Maximum enforcement of the “no left turn” directives will improve safety for drivers entering and exiting the parking lots.
At this time, initial data from the traffic assessment does not support the installation of a new traffic light at the intersection of Highlander Highway and Tienken for cars entering or exiting the Adams campus. Our traffic consultant, in conjunction with the city traffic engineer, concluded that the addition of a light would create additional backups and potentially worsen the situation.
At this time, initial data from the traffic assessment also does not support amending the timing of the traffic light at the corner of Adams and Tienken. This will continue to be monitored.
Ongoing review of traffic assessment data continues to inform discussions about additional long-term solutions. We will rely on our experts and partners to help us make informed decisions for the safety of our community.
I’m sure you can appreciate the complexity of these issues that require the expertise and consultation of multiple regulatory agencies and municipal partners.
The RCS team remains committed to this ongoing work to find the best safety solutions for our students, staff, and families. We appreciate the community’s assistance and patience.
About Rochester Media
As a neighbor that lives at Mohawk Circle Adams and Tienken, and works the night shift,I can tell you unequivocally when parents are coming to pick up there kids. I hear honking and swearing from my window because if traffic. Apparently they are all stuck at the light at Adams and Tienken or trying to illegally turn left onto Adams from Mohawk to Adams. This happens daily and your school traffic is responsible. What happened to kids taking the bus. As a night shift nurse and tax paying neighbor I will be following up with whomever will take action if things don’t change because I’m sick of it.
Maureen Bunch