Durham School of the Arts: Parents Should Heed Traffic Warnings

In a Facebook post, Durham School of the Arts PTSA shared a reminder from school security staff for parents and motorists about traffic concerns around the school, with an emphasis on safety and proper traffic flow after repeated violations that endanger students.

School officials now warn that they are cracking down with enforcement, including ticketing of illegally parked vehicles and towing.

Minerva Street

Minerva Street, a designated one-way road, continues to see drivers navigating the wrong way throughout the day. Security is urging parents to avoid driving down Minerva Street during bus drop-off and afternoon pickup. Many motorists are reportedly driving down the center of the street during pickup times, narrowly passing between parked buses while students walk to catch their rides. This poses a serious safety risk, officials say, and only school buses should be on Minerva Street during dismissal.

Morgan Street

On Morgan Street, drivers are reminded that queuing in the turn lanes to wait for pickup is not permitted. Cars must keep moving in the main line and are not allowed to park in turn lanes or wait on the street before school starts or ends. This backup causes significant delays and disrupts the flow of traffic.

500 North Duke St.

The Bullington Warehouse condominium complex at 500 North Duke St. has requested that parents not use their parking lot for student pickup or for parking during DSA events. The property is private, and the complex has a contract with a towing company, which has towed vehicles in the past and will continue to do so.

Duke Street and Gregson Street Crosswalk

At the crosswalk between Duke and Gregson streets, drivers are reminded to follow the NC DOT’s pedestrian signal guidelines:

• Flashing yellow light: Slow down as a pedestrian has activated the signal.
• Steady yellow light: Prepare to stop.
• Steady red light: Stop completely.
• Flashing red light: Stop and proceed with caution if no pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

DSA also asks that parents respect the new signs directing them to pull forward when picking up students and to avoid parking in the carpool lane during morning drop-off. These measures are aimed at ensuring a smoother and safer flow of traffic around the school.