BEAUMONT, Texas — The first day of school at Harmony Science Academy is bringing more than backpacks and homework, it’s also bringing a new plan to tackle a long-standing traffic mess.

Parents say the after-school pickup line at the elementary campus can last 45 minutes to more than an hour, backing up traffic in both directions on Calder Avenue. To help, Harmony is rolling out a new busing system that will shuttle students to four off-site pickup locations.

The plan, approved by the City of Beaumont, will send students who opt in to the Beaumont Athletic Complex, Village Shopping Center, Gateway Shopping Center or Rogers Park. School leaders hope this will ease the gridlock.

“We’re definitely trying to promote it because of the lines,” said Principal Melissa Vines. “None of the hubs ar

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