Kanawha County school buses on Wednesday and Thursday will not travel a portion of U.S. Route 119 in Mink Shoals where two rock slides occurred earlier this week.
Brett Fraley, transportation director for Kanawha County Schools, said he inspected the area Tuesday and decided it'd be best to change the route when he learned the area could be hit with a half inch of rain later this week.
"We want to avoid the area until rain passes," he said. "So, we took a two-day precautionary step."
Fraley has concerns with drainage in the area and said more rain could lead to mud and water coming over the road.
"We don't want it to catch a bus unexpectedly," he said.
Changes to bus routes can be an inconvenience to many students and their families, Fraley admitted, but he said he wants to make sure everyone stays safe.
The county notified the public of the change Tuesday. According to that call, buses will not travel Route 119 off the Interstate 79 exit in Mink Shoals between Hardings Restaurant and Ruth Street on Wednesday or Thursday.
Fraley said buses should be back running the route by Friday.
In the morning, Herbert Hoover students in the area will be picked up at Hardings Restaurant at regular time and at Ruth Street at 6:20 a.m. Elkview Middle students will be picked up at Hardings Restaurant at regular time and at Ruth Street at 7:15 a.m. Elk Elementary students will be picked up at Hardings Restaurant at regular time and at Ruth Street at 8:20 a.m.
In the afternoon, Herbert Hoover and Elkview Middle students will be dropped off at Ruth Street and Hardings Restaurant at 3:20 and 3:30 p.m., respectively.
Elk Elementary students will be dropped off at Ruth Street at regular time and at Hardings Restaurant at 4:10 p.m.
Questions about route changes can be directed to the Elkview Bus Terminal at 304-348-1991 or the Crede Transportation Office at 304-348-6616.