By Alliance Police Department, City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools
The City of Alliance, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department are announcing new traffic pattern changes around Alliance Middle School that are designed to improve student safety while creating a more efficient flow of traffic during school arrival and dismissal.
Earlier this year, the City commissioned an independent engineering traffic study to evaluate longstanding traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns surrounding Alliance Middle School. The study examined traffic volumes, vehicle movements, pedestrian activity, and potential improvements before providing recommendations for a safer and more efficient traffic pattern.
Our goal was to have these improvements in place before the start of the 2026-2027 school year. However, completion of the engineering study took longer than anticipated, delaying implementation of the recommended changes. Following a thorough review of the study and coordination between the City, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department, a traffic plan has now been finalized.
Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026, immediately following the Labor Day holiday, the following traffic pattern changes will take effect:
Laramie Avenue will become one-way northbound between West 11th Street and West 12th Street.
West 12th Street will become one-way eastbound between Laramie Avenue and Box Butte Avenue.
West 11th Street will become one-way westbound between Box Butte Avenue and Laramie Avenue.
Left turns will be prohibited from northbound Box Butte Avenue onto West 11th Street during school hours.
These changes are intended to improve traffic circulation during peak drop-off and pick-up times while reducing vehicle conflict points and creating a safer environment for students, parents, school staff, and motorists.
"This has truly been a collaborative effort," said Alliance Police Chief David Leavitt. "We wanted to ensure that any changes were based on sound engineering principles rather than simply making adjustments based on observation alone. We appreciate everyone's patience as we waited for the study to be completed, and we believe these improvements will make the area safer and more efficient for everyone."
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," said Alliance Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Troy Unzicker. "We appreciate the partnership with the City and the Alliance Police Department throughout this process. We ask our parents and community members to be patient during the first few weeks as everyone becomes familiar with the new traffic pattern."
"Improving safety while maintaining efficient traffic flow requires careful planning and cooperation," said Alliance City Manager JD Cox. "The City appreciates the work of our Public Works Department, the engineering consultants, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department in developing a solution that will serve our community well for years to come."
Initially, members of the Alliance Police Department will be present around the school to assist motorists, answer questions, and help facilitate a smooth transition. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow all posted traffic signs, watch carefully for students crossing the street, and allow a few extra minutes for travel while everyone adjusts to the new traffic pattern.
City officials, Alliance Public Schools, and the Alliance Police Department will continue to monitor traffic operations following implementation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the new traffic pattern operates safely and as intended.