ALDOT traffic engineers work closely every year with local schools and law enforcement to address traffic patterns and drive-time concerns.
Working together to find solutions for student drop-off during the early morning rush hour is one example of how cooperation and innovative traffic management can address issues of concern at most schools throughout the state.
Rockwell Elementary at US-31 in Spanish Fort is one example.
After finishing the first two full weeks of school – Aug. 11 through Aug. 22 – ALDOT traffic engineers reviewed traffic data for Rockwell Elementary and found the new drop-off pattern utilizing Jimmy Faulkner Blvd is delivering real benefits for parents and hundreds of local motorists on their morning commute.
“The new traffic pattern is working well for us on campus and it has helped to keep things flowing on US-31″ said Rockwell School Principal Robbie Owen. ” It’s also increased safety for our students, allowing them to exit at the sidewalk from the passenger side when being dropped off ” said Owen.
What we learned
Using real-time data, ALDOT compared traffic delays in 2025 with the same time period in 2024. The results show:
- More than a 40% reduction in average delay along US 31 per vehicle during peak drop-off times.
- Some drivers saw savings up to 5 minutes per vehicle at the busiest time along U.S. 31 within the 2 mile segment.
- Even though northbound Jimmy Faulkner Blvd delays have rose slightly, delays on southbound has been reduced by 51%.
Why it works
Improvements are paying off, and here’s how:
- Moving the main school drop-off entrance and exit to Jimmy Faulkner Blvd keeps school traffic off US-31, cutting through-traffic interference.
- The lane restriping, with “right-in only” access, and police officers stationed at the intersection of Jimmy Faulkner Blvd and Rockwell School Drive continues to help vehicles flow smoothly.
“ALDOT appreciates the proactive approach the City of Spanish Fort and SFPD undertook to elevate our awareness to the issues along US-31,” said Brian Aaron, Assistant Region Engineer. “The changes that have been made along the corridor over the last several months, including the school traffic changes, are making a real difference to safety and improving drivers daily commutes along the route.”
Working with schools
What drivers should know
- Continue to follow new signage, pavement markings and instructions from officers.
- Be patient and alert, especially during the adjustment period.
- Give yourself a few extra minutes during drop-off, even though delays have eased significantly.
- Plan ahead and know your route by following algotraffic.com or download the AlgoTraffic app
https://aldotnews.com/2025/07/01/new-traffic-devices-added-on-us-31-in-spanish-fort
