Mica Mountain students put new intersection to the test

Students at Mica Mountain High School are getting used to a new flying T intersection near the student parking lot. Pima County built it after junior Taryn Wood started a petition calling for safer access to the school.

Principal Nemer Hassey said traffic on Valencia Road has increased since the school opened in 2020. With about 600 students, along with parents and staff arriving and leaving, turning left from the parking lot had become difficult and potentially dangerous.

School officials showed students videos explaining how to use the new intersection. Security staff also helped drivers during the first week of school. Hassey said the design can seem confusing at first, but becomes easier after using it once.

A traffic signal could eventually be considered, though the county previously estimated one could cost $2 million. For now, Hassey is asking drivers to slow down on Valencia Road near the school.