Hampton High School traffic pattern gets $17.4 million safety upgrade

A construction project at Hampton High School is aimed at improving traffic flow and access for students, staff and community members.

The parking lots and access road to Hampton High School will undergo a major redesign beginning later this year.

School officials are seeking to reconfigure the parking area and add a second entrance to Topnick Drive.

There also will be two additions to the building along McCully Road, as well as lighting and landscaping upgrades.

The cost for this phase of work is about $17.4 million.

Superintendent Michael Loughead told Hampton council that the project has been in the making for several years, with the goal to improve safety.

“The bus, car and pedestrian traffic will be separated and student dropoff will occur at a safe location,” Chris Brown, senior associate at VEBH Architects, said. “Vehicle circulation will be clearer than the current arrangement and the areas of failing paving and sidewalks will be replaced.”

Crews are scheduled to begin construction of the building addition by the end of summer. It will house a media center to provide a 21st Century learning environment, Brown said.

There also will be a new storage garage built on the campus. The 2,400-square-foot garage will store maintenance and lawn equipment, and it will sit behind the main gym at the school.

It will measure 40 by 60 feet and have three garage door bays.

The entire construction project is scheduled to last up to 18 months and will be sequenced to minimize disruptions. Staff parking will be shifted during the work.

Hampton council approved the project during its May 26 meeting.