NEW BEDFORD - City Councilors agreed during Thursday evening's meeting that something needs to be done soon to alleviate dangerous traffic conditions in the area of Casimir Pulaski Elementary School. 

A motion co-sponsored by Ward 1 Councilor James Oliveira and Councilor at Large Brian Gomes requested to meet with concerned parents, faculty and neighbors about the congestion that turns Braley Rd. into gridlock each morning.

The meeting will take place during April's Committee on Public Safety & Neighborhoods meeting, which will be held at the school. Chairperson Councilor at Large Debora Coelho said it will be the sole item on the agenda, and that representatives from the School Department and School Committee will also be invited.

Oliveira said some parents have already gotten involved and have done their homework.

"Some parents up in the north end have really been thinking long and hard about this and they've put forward some practical solutions that don't cost a lot of money," Oliveira said.

Some of the proposed solutions, outlined in an email to the city council, include new signage to indicate parking for buses and parent drop-off, adding two crossing guards from 8:00 - 9:00 AM to control the flow of traffic in and out of the school parking lot, opening doors to the school 15 minutes earlier to move along bus traffic and adding paraprofessionals to assist in parent drop-offs.

Councilors noted things will only get worse if the traffic issue is not addressed, as the New Bedford Business Park continues to grow, and Braley Rd. is a main route into the park for those working there.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420