Hanover Township school bus stop switch sparks safety concerns

HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A school bus stop switch sparks safety concerns with parents in one local school district and causes change.

Before Monday’s start to the school year, Hanover Area School District parents whose kids use the longtime bus stop at Ridge and Newport Streets were notified that the stop would be changed to nearby Hazel and Newport streets.

Parents stepped up, expressing concerns for their children’s safety, as the new stop meant the students had to cross Hazel Street, an area with a high volume of two-way traffic.

The consensus? It was just too dangerous.

“Being on a main road like this has been very stressful. Being off a side road I think ultimately is safer. they don’t have to worry about walking on the road in the dark, crossing a very busy street,” said Raluca Slusser, a parent.

The school’s superintendent, Nathan Barrett, says the change was made because the original spot on Ridge and Newport was too narrow for busses, causing cars to be hit, and traffic concerns.

“We had changed the bus stop originally due to what we perceived as a very tight intersection that was a little bit dangerous for the busses to maneuver through,” Barrett explained.

However, Barrett says after hearing from parents and seeing the new stop for himself, change was in order.

“As we got here on day one, we saw that maybe this wasn’t the most healthy situation for everybody. Little bit of a busier intersection. We decided that it’s probably best to return it back to its original position,” Barrett said.

The original stop on Ridge and Newport will now have enforced parking restrictions.

“We have requested that the police department assist us up there making sure that people are parked legally, making sure that there’s enough room for the busses to get through,” Barrett added.

Parents say the change back to the original spot is a positive one– and glad school officials listened to their concerns.

“I am absolutely thrilled because now I know both of my kids will be safe,” said parent Tiffany Shay.

“I am very happy. Number one priority has been my children’s safety,” said Raluca Slusser, a parent.

The Hanover Area School District is in need of crossing guards.

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