School Officials: Road Construction Could Delay Bus Schedules

Local school officials are warning parents ongoing road construction projects throughout the Crystal Lake area could delay bus transportation for students returning to the classrooms this week.

Not only could road work interfere with pickup and delivery of students to and from their schools, but buses commuting between the transportation garage, located on McHenry Avenue, could be delayed when traveling to bus stops. 

"We have been working with construction teams to minimize any issues, but it is possible that bus times may be altered as we start the new school year," said Jeff Puma, director of communications for

"...The transportation department has been working on possible re-routes for the buses should more efficient routing become necessary." 

Currently road improvement construction projects are under way at Route 176 and Walkup Road; Crystal Lake Avenue near Erick Street; Pingree Road; Rakow and Randall roads; Ackman Road; Ames Road; and Briarwood Drive.

Donn Mendoza, superintendent for , recently issued a statement to parents saying construction work could impact pickup and drop-off times outlined in bus transportation letters distributed to parents of busers.

"...the unpredictability of said projects make it difficult to accurately determine the degree to which and on what days delays might occur," Mendoza said.

School begins on Monday, Aug. 27, for the approximately 7,000 high school students in District 155, and on Tuesday for the more than 9,000 elementary students attending District 47.