Bulloch Co. Schools alternate bus stop plan in effect through Wednesday afternoon

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Bulloch County Schools activated their alternate bus stop plan due to rain in the area.

Bulloch County Schools said the alternate route begins Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 2, through morning and afternoon bus routes on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

“Bulloch County has approximately 720 miles of dirt roads. While they are maintained by a county public works department, rain and large vehicles, like school buses, can create safety hazards and structural damage to them,” wrote the school district in an announcement. “As a result, the school district activates its alternate bus stop plan for certain dirt roads during times of either severe rainfall or light rainfall that may last for an extended time, particularly overnight. ”

Safety and road protection in Bulloch County

The school district said the alternate bus stop plan is for the safety of bus drivers and students, as well as, the protection of dirt roadways in the county.

Please remember the following when the plan is activated, shared the school district:

• Activation of the alternate bus stop plan by the school district does not mean that the dirt roads have closed by public works. Please adhere to any temporary road hazard or road closure signs that could be erected.
• Dirt roads can be accessible when wet by smaller vehicles or trucks, but wet, muddy roads are more hazardous for heavy buses and their weight may also damage dirt roads when the roads are saturated. A loaded school bus can weigh an estimated 26,800 to over 38,000 pounds.
• Activation of the alternate bus stop plan does not mean that school is closed. 
• Families who live on the affected roads and have a child who rides the bus will need to either bring their child to the alternate bus stop or bring their child to school.
• Absences are excused at the discretion of the school’s principal.
• A list of affected roads is provided here.