The City of Arlington's Public Works & Transportation Department is working to create a smooth traffic plan around two new charter schools on Bowen Road in southwest Arlington, enabling drivers to get in and out of the area safely.

Arlington Classics Academy (ACA) is scheduled to open Tuesday, August 12 with a projected attendance of 800 students. International Leadership of Texas (ILT) middle school is scheduled to open August 21 with 1200 students.

Drivers are encouraged to remain patient and attentive when driving through the school zones.

So what is being done to help mitigate any potential traffic issues?

ACA and ILT are educating parents on the new traffic flow patterns for the car lines. Both schools have staggered start and end times for classes within and between the schools to evenly spread out drop off and pick up times.

In addition the schools' efforts, the City of Arlington will set temporary barricades for the first weeks of school on streets in the adjacent neighborhoods to discourage cut through traffic. Staff will be onsite to monitor traffic movement within the schools.

Arlington police officers will maintain an increased presence in the general area to ensure drivers are obeying traffic lights and signs.

City officials expect the northbound Bowen to I-20 right turn construction to begin September 2. Construction is estimated to last 75 days. This is part of Arlington's ongoing commitment to improve roads throughout the city.