Cold Causes Tewksbury School Bus Delays

TEWKSBURY, MA -- School officials sent out an alert Tuesday morning warning parents of delays on several bus routes, thanks to mechanical issues brought on by sub-zero temperatures. The alert said the delays affected routes 3, 4, 10, 21 and 22, resulting in late arrivals at the Winn Elementary School and the high school. The alert also said delayed arrivals were possible at the Ryan and elementary school levels.

The bus problems were only the latest in a series of issues that arose as school reopened after the holiday break. Over the holiday weekend, parents posted on social media forums for Tewksbury resident and parents to raise concerns about school bus stops that had not been plowed and shoveled out and sidewalks that had not been cleared.

A handful of schools delayed openings Tuesday morning and some canceled classes entirely because of the bitter cold. Most communities started the day with temperatures well below zero Tuesday, with the statewide low of -13 degrees recorded in Bedford.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).