School Street Pilot Project

Marquette Elementary is the site of Madison's School Street Pilot Project. Beginning Monday, May 18th and continuing every school day through Wednesday, June 10th, Jenifer Street, between Thornton Avenue and Rogers Street, will be closed during morning student arrival from 7:00am - 8:00am and afternoon student dismissal from 2:00pm - 3:00pm (1:00pm - 2:00pm on Mondays). This temporary street closure is intended to support a safer walking and biking environment for young students.

During the street closure, non-student pedestrians and bicyclists are welcome to travel through the School Street. Drivers will be stopped by cones and signage; they will be unable to enter the School Street during the closure. Parents and guardians dropping-off students by motor vehicle can continue to drop-off on Jenifer Street west of Rogers Street, as well as along Thornton Avenue and Spaight Street. 

Numerous North American and European cities have found that the implementation of School Streets have benefited communities and helped students thrive. School Streets encourage more students to walk and bike to school by creating a safer walking and biking environment near the school. Research shows that students who walk and bike to school tend to have stronger academic outcomes and miss fewer days of school than those who do not walk or bike to school. School Streets also foster community connection and sociability. Discover more information about School Streets and their benefits.

City staff will monitor the impact of the School Street Pilot Project on students and their families, school staff, neighbors, and other road users. Evaluation will include perceptions of safety, number of students walking and biking to school, and traffic impacts. 

Please direct any questions about the Marquette Elementary School Street Pilot Project to Kevin Luecke, Pedestrian & Bicycle Administrator.