By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Leander ISD has been working with the owner of the former 3M site to open a bus-only lane through the campus during peak traffic times before and after school. This is expected to alleviate congestion and benefit more than 4,000 students and staff at Vandegrift High School and Four Points Middle School as well as the greater community. 

“We are excited about this opportunity and are hoping that testing this out will prove to be a safe alternative for bus riders and that it will shorten route times for transportation,” shared Rachel Acosta, LISD spokesperson.

LISD has tentatively agreed to have its buses begin using the road through the former 3M property on Scotch Trail between River Place Boulevard and McNeil Drive on Monday, April 25 from approximately 7:30 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 4:30 p.m., Acosta said.  

Jennifer Mushtaler, River Place resident, has been working since last fall on this idea, trying to move it along.

“I am very pleased to share that LISD and Karlin will begin a trial of the buses-only route,” Mushtaler said.  

She serves on the Austin Planning Commission, appointed by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly for District 6, and she introduced key people at LISD with the representatives of Karlin Real Estate months ago.

“I had inquired of Karlin and then facilitated an introduction to LISD after Karlin indicated they would be happy to work with the district,” said Mushtaler, who is also the former president of both the River Place HOA and River Place Limited District.

The school district and Mushtaler want to remind the public that this lane is only for LISD buses.

“This is private property and a specific trial arrangement for designated LISD buses only with Karlin,” Mushtaler said. “Public attempting to use this private path will be met with 24 hour security and traffic citations.”

Acosta echoes that.

“This is for buses only as the road will not be accessible for personal vehicles to utilize,” she said.