I agree, Al, only I would go a bit further. I think a center turning lane at least up to Northern Pines Road (maybe even a bit further north with all of the new apartments/condos, and the new SUNY building, etc.). A southbound turning lane right at the middle school would be helpful, and might alleviate some backup onto 9 during the drop-off/pick-up times. In addition, perhaps a traffic light may be worth investigating?

I agree, Al, only I would go a bit further. I think a center turning lane at least up to Northern Pines Road (maybe even a bit further north with all of the new apartments/condos, and the new SUNY building, etc.). A southbound turning lane right at the middle school would be helpful, and might alleviate some backup onto 9 during the drop-off/pick-up times. In addition, perhaps a traffic light may be worth investigating?

A school official told me that they requested a light for the entrance and the DOT studied the intersection. The assessment concluded that 1.7 people would have to be killed at the location before a traffic light would be needed. Any volunteers? (maybe you could be only 0.7 dead)

This is really an easy fix....let's not wait for a loss of life due to this identified problem.

Taking a left turn out of the school lot before or after school is impossible.... and very dangerous, as vehicles travelling north on Route 9 will pass on the right just to get thru the congestion.