SAN ANTONIO — For years, families in the neighborhoods surrounding Harlan High School have been pushing for safety improvements. Last Friday, a student was hit by a car while crossing the road, which prompted a petition demanding change.
“It’s been getting bad recently,” said Harlan High student Iyamba Francis.
Francis and his buddies know it’s risky these days just to get some lunch. In front of the school exists extensive construction and the absence of designated crosswalks and sidewalks.
“Not having a crosswalk right there, kind of a big hazard. Kids having to cross the street looking out for cars. Sometimes they not looking and texting,” Francis said.
Northside ISD officials said a 17-year-old Harlan High senior was struck by a car on Culebra Road as the student attempted to cross the road. The student didn’t use a crosswalk, according to officials.
The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately to render air and the student was taken to the hospital by EMS. At last check, the student was in stable condition.
A student-led petition has so far garnered more than 800 signatures, demanding safety enhancements in the form of sidewalks.
“People are just trying to get back and forth on this road to get to their house and with the construction the way it is, no one is really observant of people walking down this street because the absence of sidewalks at this time,” said Ron Olney, who lives in the area.
The Texas Department of Transportation noted the ongoing project is on Culebra Road from west of SH 211 to Old FM 471 East.
The project involves expanding lanes from two to four lanes with a left turn lane throughout the Culebra project limits.
Officials have plans to include sidewalks on both sides of the road. Crosswalks will also be implemented at the Kallison Bend and Talley Road intersections for high school students.
TXDOT urges pedestrians to avoid walking through construction sites. Warning signs are to be posted near the sign to alert pedestrians.
The project completion date is set for spring 2027.
Until then, Olney is keeping extra cautious when behind the wheel.
“I look out for students and I look out for people just driving erratically because the construction does cause a more hostile environment in an already hostile environment," he said.