The dead-end on N. Dunham Road, pictured, makes it difficult for a school bus to turn around safely.

The dead-end on N. Dunham Road, pictured, makes it difficult for a school bus to turn around safely.
By Megan Alley
Sun staff

The lack of school bus access down N. Dunham Road was discussed at the Monroe Township Trustees’ meeting on August 3.

“This is an issue that’s been going on for about two years,” said Monroe Township Director of Services Thomas Wildey.

Students who live on N. Dunham Road are part of the West Clermont Local School District. Until two years ago, the school bus was able to drive down the half-mile cul-de-sac, according to Wildey.

“The resident at the end of the street granted permission for the bus to turn around at the dead end,” Wildey said.

Permission was rescinded by the property owner in January 2015, which left kids with the options to walk or be dropped off to meet the bus at the corner of N. Dunham Road and Lindale-Mt. Holly Road.

“The parents drive and idle their cars up the road, which causes a bit of a traffic jam,” Wildey said.

Wildey and Trustee Tom Peck said that to resolve the issue they would be happy to install a turnaround, but they need to procure gravel and supplies from West Clermont LSD.

“Our job is to keep the roads passable and safe,” said Wildey. “We don’t build roads or bridges, because that’s the county’s responsibility, and putting in turnarounds for buses is the responsibility of the school district who manages the buses.”

He added, “If [West Clermont] supplied the materials, we would do the work, but legally we can’t take our money and resources to do this project.”

Wildey and Peck said they are waiting to hear back from representatives from West Clermont LSD regarding the proposed project.

“We approached West Clermont a couple of months ago,” Wildey said. “We were hoping to get the turnaround in before school starts.”

He added, “It would surely alleviate a huge gridlock that we’re dealing with right now, what with parents hauling their kids up the street.”

Wildey said one of his main concerns about the current situation is the safety of the kids.

Director of Operations for West Clermont LSD Lance Perry said he was notified of the issue via a letter from a concerned parent, but he has not received any request from Monroe Township.

“That road is a cul-de sac, and for safety purposes, we don’t want to back up buses on a dead end street,” Perry said.

“That’s why they are being picked up at the end of the street.”

He added, “At this point in time, from the facts that have been presented, we are going to have to hold to picking up at the end of the road, and we’re not planning to make any changes to the road itself.”