The Fall River City Council voted to advance a one-way proposal for Maple Street near Westall School to a first reading after public safety officials and staff said the change would improve traffic flow and safety during drop-off and pick-up.

Councilors discussed the matter with Fire Chief Jeff Bacon and Police Traffic Enforcement Supervisor Thomas Forrest. Chief Bacon said fire apparatus would typically approach the block from High Street and that the department did not expect the change to impede emergency response. "As far as the fire department is concerned, our apparatus would be coming most likely from High Street anyways," Bacon said.

Thomas Forrest said many schools use circular one-way patterns and that police response would not be hindered. "I don't think any of it would hinder any response from the police department at all," Forrest said. Staff said the change responds to a new pattern of vehicle activity after Westall School reopened for kindergarten through fifth grade this year, increasing local drop-off and pick-up traffic.

Councilor Raposo moved, and the council carried by voice vote, to pass Maple Street through first reading. Staff and public safety representatives said they will continue to test the route and coordinate signage and traffic controls with the traffic board before implementing permanent changes.

Next steps: staff to report back with any adjustments after test runs and to coordinate signage and traffic-board referrals as needed.