Thirty traffic crashes have been recorded near Mandarin Middle School since 2021, including 14 during student drop-off and pickup times, prompting transportation planners to propose new safety measures along Hood Road and Hornets Nest Road.

The North Florida Transportation Planning Organization presented the findings Thursday evening, Oct. 15, during a community meeting at the school, News4Jax first reported.

The crashes occurred during a five-year study period spanning 2021 to 2026 in the area surrounding the intersection of Hood Road and Hornets Nest Road. Two involved bicycles, according to the agency's presentation.

The North Florida TPO, which coordinates regional transportation planning across Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties, is working with the Florida Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program to identify improvements.

Planners propose lower speeds and safer crossings

Thalia Fuste, a transportation planner with the North Florida TPO, outlined potential changes to both roads near the school.

On Hood Road, recommendations include a reduced-speed school zone, raised medians near the campus, a pedestrian detection system and traffic signal improvements at the intersection, including a flashing yellow arrow.

Hornets Nest Road could receive flexible lane delineators, a midblock pedestrian crosswalk and a landscaped raised median with centerline hardening to discourage unsafe turning movements.

"Potentially, the city of Jacksonville can look at adding a school zone that would reduce speeds right outside of the school, that would look at 15 mph or so," Fuste told News4Jax. "It would have flashers before school starts and after, during arrival and pickup."

The recommendations remain preliminary. Officials have not announced construction dates or confirmed funding for the proposed improvements.

Parents describe congestion and safety concerns

Parents and nearby residents described difficult traffic conditions during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

Parent Amy Shapiro said the intersection becomes especially confusing when multiple drivers attempt to maneuver through the area simultaneously.

"When you're out here earlier, you've got four different cars going four different directions at the same time on the same road," Shapiro told News4Jax. "Everybody just has to be patient and try to read everyone else's mind and see what they're doing."

One nearby resident said school traffic can make it difficult to enter or leave neighborhood driveways for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

The resident said conditions become worse during rainy weather.

Concerns extend beyond vehicle congestion.

A Mandarin Middle Travel Safety Survey found that 71% of respondents would not feel comfortable allowing their children to walk or bike to school without adult supervision.

Only 5% said they would definitely be comfortable with their children traveling independently, while 21% were undecided.

The findings suggest that many families remain concerned about pedestrian and bicycle safety around the campus.

School safety program considers education and infrastructure

The North Florida TPO is also exploring programs designed to encourage safer walking and bicycling among students.

Fuste said potential initiatives include designated walk- and bike-to-school days, updated electric bicycle safety education and improved crossings for students traveling without cars.

"We might look at having bike and walk to school days to promote a safe way of getting to school," Fuste told News4Jax.

The Safe Routes to School program, administered by the Florida Department of Transportation, supports infrastructure improvements and educational initiatives intended to make walking and bicycling safer for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Oct. 15 public meeting at Mandarin Middle School, 5100 Hood Road, included discussion of proposed infrastructure improvements and potential next steps for grant funding.

The North Florida TPO has not announced when the recommendations might be implemented or whether additional public meetings will be scheduled.