A new study aims to provide safer ways to cross Western Boulevard, which advocates for the study say is dangerous for pedestrians and bikers.
The North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization coordinated the hiring of consultants to propose three possible solutions to the problem, according to Brian O’Sullivan, a representative from The Western Boulevard Crossing Study.
The first proposal involved a pedestrian and bicyclist tunnel with possible future improvements to allow transit vehicles. The tunnel would aim to serve the Avent Ferry Complex and would go under Western Boulevard, ending between College Inn and Avent Ferry Road.
The second proposal was a pedestrian, bicyclist and transit tunnel going under Western. This proposal’s difficulties arise from allowing the transit vehicles to merge back with Avent Ferry Road and Morril Drive, said O’Sullivan.
The third possibility would require total reconstruction of the intersection with Avent Ferry going underneath Western. According to O’Sullivan, the University has no interest in a total interchange overhaul.
O’Sullivan said the University has not taken a formal stand on any of the alternatives.
Michael Ousdahl, transportation planner, said he recognizes the intersection of Western and Avent Ferry has room for improvement. He said the intersection is the subject of most criticism for the transportation board.
“Students who have been around for a long time know [the intersection] has been a problem,” Christine Klein, public communication specialist, said.
Klein said she was once driving eastbound on Western and almost hit a student who ran from the bushes. Ousdahl said he had a similar experience, witnessing a Papa John’s car nearly hit a student.
According to O’Sullivan, no serious injuries have occurred, but the University does not need an accident as incentive to take action.
O’Sullivan said there are other examples around the country of colleges creating pedestrian crossing locations to reduce risk. In North Dakota, for instance, a bridge was constructed over a major archway creating a gateway for the college. The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia extended a campus walk, which expands a roadway for pedestrians only.
With other campuses illustrating the possibility to make a safer transportation system, O’Sullivan said the University needs to push a little more.
According to O’Sullivan, N.C. State would not be the sole funder for the crossing project, but those in charge are waiting to hear what the University will contribute before taking the next step.
“We will face an uphill battle with getting it funded,” O’Sullivan said.
The University has yet to make a decision on which alternative it favors. According to O’Sullivan, the University could start to make progress by this June. For more information on the project’s progress and more specifics, visit www.westernblvd.net.
