The project aims to address a hazardous intersection located adjacent to the Lakeside School District, which has been the site of 16 traffic accidents this year alone and contributes to daily traffic delays. Junior Allie Quast is working collaboratively with the Hot Springs City Engineer Office and several engineering firms to create a comprehensive traffic redirection model. This model is intended to present solutions for improving safety and reducing congestion at the intersection, which is particularly concerning due to its proximity to the Lakeside School District.
The problem at hand is the combination of high traffic volumes, especially during peak hours when school starts and ends, and the poor traffic flow and visibility at the intersection. This has led to frequent accidents, delayed emergency response times, and general frustrations among local commuters. The goal of the project is to design a practical traffic redirection plan that can be implemented to reduce accident rates, improve traffic flow, and alleviate daily delays by creating a time-specific "One Way" option for Students entering and leaving Campus.
The project uses ArcGIS software to create a detailed, data-driven traffic model that includes current traffic patterns, accident hotspots, and alternative routes. This tool allows for precise analysis of the intersection’s existing conditions and helps propose feasible solutions such as new road designs, traffic signal adjustments, or the introduction of alternative routes for specific times of day. By integrating engineering principles with cutting-edge technology like ArcGIS, the project provides a scientifically-backed, community-focused solution.
CART Alignment:
This project aligns with the CART framework by combining engineering principles with spatial data analysis to address a real-world community challenge. The project uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to model traffic patterns and propose solutions, which is a key technological tool in the CART domain. Additionally, it integrates the expertise of local engineers, public safety officers, and community leaders, ensuring the project is tailored to the needs of the residents of Hot Springs and the Lakeside School District.
Unique Aspects of the Project:
What makes this project unique is the collaboration between a local high school student and professional engineers. Allie Quast’s involvement brings a fresh, student-driven perspective to solving a community problem, with real-world application of engineering principles and GIS technology. The project also has a direct impact on improving safety for both students and the general public, showing the power of community partnerships and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Furthermore, the project is innovative because it uses ArcGIS to visualize and model traffic data. The use of this advanced tool allows for highly accurate and data-driven solutions, rather than relying on generic traffic engineering strategies. Allie and her team can propose specific changes backed by solid evidence, ensuring that the solution will be both effective and sustainable.
Community Partner Involvement:
The project has been developed in close collaboration with the following community partners:
Bruce Orr, Superintendent, Lakeside School District: Bruce provided insight into the impact of traffic on the daily lives of students, teachers, and staff at Lakeside School District.
Hot Springs City Engineer - Gary Carnahan: The City Engineer provided technical expertise regarding existing infrastructure and helped identify feasible traffic solutions based on the city’s capacity and resources.
Engineering Firms: Several local engineering firms including Crafton Tull have assisted with the technical planning and design aspects of the redirection model, using their expertise to fine-tune the solution. These partners have been instrumental in ensuring that the project is not only technically sound but also addresses the needs and concerns of the local community.
Next Steps:
The project team will present their findings and model to Superintendent Bruce Orr and the Hot Springs Police Department in February 2025. If approved, the next step will be to work on a public awareness campaign and begin the infrastructure changes based on the proposed traffic redirection model.