School District Makes Changes Following 2nd Student Death At Intersection

McKEESPORT (KDKA) – The McKeesport School District has added several new safety measures since a student died in front of a school last month.

It was the second student death at that busy intersection.

Thursday they put in new security measures to ensure what happened to 15-year-old Deonte Cobbs and 14-year-old Alyson Higdon won't happen again.

Both teens were hit and killed near the intersection of Eden Park and O'Neil boulevards.

Today, railings were installed along the sidewalks of Eden Park and O'Neil to discourage students from crossing in the middle of the street, and only at the crosswalk.

It was only a little over a month ago when Cobbs was struck and killed by a school bus when he tried to cross the street. It's the same spot where Higdon died last year when she was hit by a truck.

The school district is also making sure a crossing guard is working at the intersection.

McKeesport staff and administration is also on hand to make sure students cross safely.

"As a teenager, we all run down the hill and say forget the cars but I feel like we really do need a crossing guard, even if we might not listen to them, but having it to put us in check, like hey, get over here," said student Dahlasziah Konik.

Additionally, traffic signals have been given extra time for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

The crosswalks have also been adjusted and resurfaced. Buses are also being staggered to aide in visibility during dismissal, plus additional crosswalks are being put in.

Officials plan to have education programs for students on traffic safety as well.

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