In an effort to improve student safety, traffic flow and air quality, a stoplight will be installed in front of Steger Sixth Grade Center at 701 N. Rock Hill Rd.

The Rock Hill Board of Aldermen approved a resolution last week for the traffic signal and street improvements to Brownbert Lane, which is just south of the entrance of the school. The board awarded the project to Krupp Construction, which submitted a bid of $196,858.

Board members voted 4-to-2 in favor of the resolution. Aldermen Ed Johnson, of Ward 1, and Ed Mahan, of Ward 2, cast the opposing votes.

At issue was the fact that the plans include restricting left turns onto N. Rock Hill Road from Lithia Avenue, which is directly across the street from the school. Johnson lives in the 300 block of Lithia Ave.

"I'm against the design," Johnson said. 

City Administrator George Liyeos explained that the Webster Groves School District had signed off on the plan, and that the city was receiving an 80/20 federal matching grant for the work.

"But if it makes it difficult to get out of your driveway...," Johnson said. "If you step on the toes of the community, I'm going to say 'Ouch.'"

Liyeos added, "It will allow for the freer flow of traffic and improve the air that you breath and safety for students."

Police Chief Paul Arnett said he would be able to provide an officer who could direct traffic from Lithia onto Rock Hill during the school's high traffic times.

Liyeos said work would begin on the project over the summer when school was out.