Brentwood pulls American Avenue bike lanes in a school traffic pilot

Brentwood has initiated a pilot program to alleviate traffic congestion around Adams Middle School and Heritage High School by removing bike lanes along American Avenue. The city announced the changes on July 17, with crews already working on the pavement striping, and the project is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026 school year. This move aims to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for students, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers during peak school hours.

The pilot program will significantly impact the daily routines of local residents and commuters. By removing bike lanes and adding additional curbside parking, the city hopes to reduce congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. This change is expected to ease traffic bottlenecks that have long plagued the area, making it safer and more efficient for everyone involved. Parents and students alike will benefit from the improved traffic flow, potentially reducing the time spent in traffic and increasing overall safety.

Brentwood’s decision to implement these changes comes after careful consideration and collaboration with both schools. The city has a history of addressing traffic issues in the area, and this pilot is a continuation of their efforts to improve the community’s infrastructure. The city council and local authorities have been working on traffic management strategies for several years, and this pilot represents a significant step forward in their ongoing efforts to enhance safety and efficiency around the schools.

The pilot includes five key changes: the installation of flexible delineators to channelize traffic, modifications to pedestrian crossings, the addition of more red curb areas to reinforce no-parking zones, the removal of bike lanes to create additional curbside parking, and the installation of new pedestrian crossing warning signs at the Heritage High School traffic signal. While most of the work is expected to be completed before the start of the school year, some traffic signal modifications may be delayed due to equipment availability. The city has not provided the exact start date for the 2026 school year.

This pilot is not a permanent solution, and the city plans to monitor traffic operations and collect feedback throughout the school year to determine its effectiveness. While the city has not specified the exact measures they will use to evaluate the changes or the timeline for decision-making, residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the pilot’s impact. For updates and further information, residents can visit the City of Brentwood's website or contact the city’s traffic management department.