Expect heavy traffic at schools

Pike County students will return to class next week with the first day of school set for Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Expect heavy traffic and delays along Highway 19 in front of the schools and along Old Meansville Road and Hughley Road.

In addition to regular school traffic, paving work will be ongoing at the entrance of the Ninth Grade Academy on Highway 19 that will require different pick up and drop off lines for students at the NGA and the primary school.

“This project will create a wider entrance with two lanes for safer entry and exit,” said superintendent Shane Williamson. “The new design will ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and increase safety for families and staff accessing the facilities. We recognize the timing of this project – coinciding with the start of school – is far from ideal. Heavy traffic and the natural stress of the first week of school may be compounded by construction activity. We ask for your patience and understanding during this time.”

The project has faced delays due to multiple factors, including GDOT permitting, weather-related setbacks and stormwater runoff.