GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Earlier this year, Gridley City Officials made the decision to permanently close the section of Vermont Street that runs between Mckinley Primary School and Sycamore Middle School.

The portion of Vermont Street, between Magnolia Street and Sycamore Street, was permanently closed to through traffic Monday, Aug. 26.

City crews removed the large ranch-style fencing that was used to close the street during school hours and installed chain link fencing. In addition to closing off the street, the chain link also secures the western perimeter of the McKinley campus.

“Following an extensive review of safety concerns in collaboration with law enforcement and city officials, the Gridley Unified School District has decided to close this section of Vermont Street. This measure aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of the area surrounding McKinley Primary and Sycamore Middle Schools,” said Gridley Unified School District Superintendent Justin Kern.

Kern said that the closure address student safety concerns during school hours in the hopes of ensuring a safer environment for students traveling between the schools.

“The safety of our students is our utmost priority, and we are confident that this decision will significantly improve their security and well-being,” said Kern.

“We understand that this change may cause some inconvenience, and we thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. We urge all community members to plan alternative routes and adhere to new signage and barriers that will be installed to assist in navigating around the closure.”