With the start of construction on North Campus this week comes the need for a re-routing of pedestrian pathways back to the central part of campus. As always, the administration is concerned for the comfort and safety of our students, faculty and staff as they travel across campus. To ensure that those needs are met to the fullest extent possible during such a large project, two pedestrian pathways have been established to route pedestrians around the construction site. Those two routes are highlighted on the pedestrian map [PDF].
On the west side of the project and marked in green, Allen Easley Drive will serve as one route to the main part of campus, allowing students with ADA needs access to sidewalks, paved surfaces and ramps. Pedestrians may choose to access Lot Q and Scales at the mid-point of the road or continue to Wake Forest Road to access central campus.
On the east side of the project and marked in blue, a second pedestrian route made from gravel dust will be created to serve as a temporary road for pedestrian traffic along the northern and eastern edges of the project. Although this eastern route will not be to ADA standards, it does provide a more direct route for pedestrians with destinations on the east of campus, such as Worrell Professional Center. Once this eastern route is established, the current sidewalk access from Polo Hall to Lot Q will be closed until the end of the project.
To ensure safe pathways, a blue light emergency phone is being installed immediately north of the project site, as well as additional lighting to the eastern edge of the site. Recent lighting updates along Allen Easley Drive are believed to be sufficient for any pedestrian traffic and safety along this route.
We are excited about the new residence hall construction as a realization of one part of the University’s master plan, but understand the inconvenience that comes with progress. If you have any concerns regarding pathways, lighting or other project issues, please email Jim Alty, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Campus Services, at altyj@wfu.edu.
