There will be a temporary road closure of the main entrance to Columbia High School on Thursday, May 8 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. During that time, the “Emergency Access” road off Country Lane will be opened and allow one-way alternating traffic to access the school. School staff will be stationed at both ends of Country Lane to supervise the alternating traffic.

Please avoid driving in or out of Columbia during this timeframe so we can keep traffic to a minimum.

This road closure is due to a Mock DWI Presentation for the Junior and Senior classes in preparation of prom and end of school year celebrations. The event will feature a simulated car crash with police, EMTs and firefighters on the scene. It will conclude with a presentation by Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly in the school auditorium.

“If you feel different, you drive different,” said Officer Ed Ashley, who serves as Columbia’s School Resource Officer and is coordinating this event. “Crashes from drunk or impaired and distracted driving are preventable. Plan ahead, take steps to break the chain of events that could lead to tragedy.”

Thank you for your support as we provide this important safety presentation to our students.