The New Palestine Town Council, the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County and INDOT have been busy lately with the hope of making improvements to a crosswalk on US 52 near School Street in New Palestine.

The improvements come in the wake of an accident last month where a New Palestine High School student was struck by a vehicle as he rode his bicycle to school.

Since then, there have been many discussions about what to do. At a New Palestine town council meeting following the accident, officials with INDOT stated they were going to install flashing lights at the crosswalk.

However, the partnership will result in more.

Beginning next month, town officials and INDOT will work to move the crosswalk east of its current location to Depot Street with the belief that moving it will be safer for pedestrians. In addition, rectangular, rapid flashing beacons will be placed at the crosswalk. The beacons will be triggered by pedestrians. 

In a statement, school officials said they are “grateful” for the collaboration and decisions.

“The district will continue to offer bus service to all students in the district, including those homes immediately adjacent to NPHS. Local law enforcement and the district both believe taking the bus to school is the safest option for families that live near any CSCSHC school building. If families chose not to use the bus, the school district encourages them to make the safest possible decision to get their students to and from school each day,” the district wrote in a release. 

Original story of student struck - November 11, 2019

Officials with the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County confirmed one of their students was struck by a motorist this morning on U.S. 52. 

Wes Anderson, director of community relations and communications, confirmed to Giant FM the victim is a New Palestine High School student. Anderson said counselors will be available for students.

The student was transported by ambulance from the scene with serious injuries, according to a press release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. The juvenile was transported to Riley Children’s Hospital with internal injuries and head trauma and is in critical condition, but is expected to survive.

The release states a 14-year-old was struck while crossing U.S. 52 on a bicycle by a Ford F-250 truck driven by John Bundy, 52, of New Palestine. Officials with the Sheriff’s Department said the student’s family was notified and Bundy cooperated with police, who do not believe speed, drugs or alcohol are a factor.