The WSB Traffic team has been pairing the use of drone footage with the collection of traffic data in order to make more comprehensive field observations and gather information on a wider field of view. The team has incorporated drone flights into studies of school circulation, pedestrian safety and the operations for campuses.
As part of a school expansion project at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, site modifications resulted in the main parking area for students and staff (700 spaces) being moved across Lake Valentine Road from the school building. Many of the spaces were now closer to the primary entrance, but required crossing a three-lane roadway with an average daily traffic volume (ADT) of 4,300 vehicles. Additionally, there were several conflict and queuing areas present due to the interaction of pedestrians, parent pick-up/drop-off, bus arrival and departure, and through traffic.