Letter to the Editor: Road Work Creating Hazards at School Bus Stop

Dear Editor,

In these difficult economic times, the town of Burlington is wisely investing in infrastructure. The evidence is all around us on Bedford Street, Francis Wyman Road, Sandybrook Road and more. While residents may occasionally grumble about the aggravation of detours around town, most of us realize that the investment in our town is smart and well worth some minor inconvenience. Unfortunately, construction projects sometimes present more than an annoyance and in at least one Burlington neighborhood, construction has become a safety hazard.

Every weekday, children in the neighborhoods surrounding Sandybrook Road are put at risk as they walk to and from their bus stops.  The School Department, the Town Engineering Department and the Burlington Police are aware of the situation and have been unwilling to correct it. Initially, members of all departments acknowledged verbally that it is unsafe for school children to walk through active construction sites. But no alternative solution was ever offered. Concerned parents requested that a school crossing guard be temporarily assigned to the location and were denied. Now the School Department has informed parents that the powers that be have decided that there is no safety issue at these bus stops.  No reasonable adult would conclude that children crossing through active construction sites that include front loaders, backhoes, dump trucks and enormous holes in the street are safe.

As parents and grandparents of some of the children walking past this heavy machinery, we are shocked and deeply saddened that our town values its construction schedule over the safety and well-being our children. The cost of a crossing guard is minute when compared with the total cost of this project.  The School Department, the Town Engineer and the Police Department should work together to provide safe passage for our school children. Anything less is unconscionable.

Signed,
Joanne Kriger, Barbara L’Heureux, David L’Heureux, Pam Montecalvo, Bartholomew Moroney, Colin Moroney, Sally Moroney and Tina Moroney