Persell Middle School is pictured Tuesday afternoon from Hazeltine Avenue. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

A traffic study will be conducted along Baker Street and Hazeltine Avenue near Persell Middle School in Jamestown after two accidents involving student pedestrians.

On Thursday, Dr. Kevin Whitaker, Jamestown Public Schools District superintendent, and Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist announced the traffic study in a joint news release. The traffic study will be utilized to determine solutions to increase student and pedestrian safety around schools.

Whitaker said student safety remains a high priority.

“The recent incidents involving students crossing Hazeltine is highly concerning and it is important that we take action,” he said. “We immediately increased supervision and monitoring during arrival and dismissal, and will continue to communicate with students and parents about crossing only in crosswalks. I have always found the city to be a collaborative partner, and I thank the mayor for that. I know that we all look forward to working with Mayor Sundquist and his team on solutions to improve student and school zone safety throughout Jamestown.”

Sundquist said it is both the city’s and school district’s responsibility to ensure the safety of children within Jamestown.

“We are a walking school district, which sets up clear challenges and safety concerns at schools throughout the city,” he said. “While we work on the traffic study for the Persell area specifically, the team at the city will be looking at other improvements to pedestrian safety at all Jamestown schools. I thank Dr. Whitaker for his leadership and collaboration on ensuring students remain safe.”

Earlier this week, a student was hit by a vehicle while walking on Hazeltine Avenue, near Persell. The student was transported to UPMC Chautauqua for an evaluation after suffering minor injuries, Jamestown police reported.

See Friday’s edition for complete coverage.