Attention students, parents, and school staff of Holyoke High School! As of October 24th, construction workers have been seen working on Beech Street, not far from the school premises. The construction was said to have started two days prior, on October 22nd, however, the unannounced fixing of the street has left many people facing a number of challenges that you may have experienced.

Car Concerns

The usual area leading up to the school’s front car entrance, where part of the construction is taking place, has added to the traffic during the first couple minutes of having the doors open to students. Traffic cones can be seen blocking half of the street, making only one lane available and causing the rate in which students are dropped off to slow down. 

As a result, parents have switched to temporary substitutes for their usual routes, which can negatively affect their early morning work schedules, as well as getting their students to their first block classes on time. With these needs, any parent/guardian or staff member should remember to follow the rules of the road, and remember that they’re not the only ones facing difficulties in order to prevent any unnecessary accidents.

Worries when Walking

While those getting to school in vehicles face their own timely concerns, students and staff arriving at the school on foot also have their own challenges to face as the streets are fixed. Walking tends to eliminate the worry of getting to school on time depending on the students’ time management. However, as they get closer to their destination and the forming of the streets becomes visible, anybody walking should be advised to pay attention. 

Some students and staff are required to cross Beech Street in order to reach the school, in which case, workers tending to the construction are expected to pause and let them cross. Parts of the street may also be broken or unfinished, and it’s the responsibility of those crossing the street to be wary of such things and avoid any possible accidents.

What to Consider

The fixing of Beech Street may be an ongoing project for a time frame between two to eight weeks, the average amount of time usually spent on street repairs being three weeks. During this time, everyone with any form of transportation to Holyoke High School should attempt to adjust to the challenges that may be faced during the ride or walk, and may want to consider leaving the house a little earlier. They should also put in consideration the safety conditions of the routes and be sure to pay attention in order to avoid any unwanted circumstances.