| |
|
|
from the issue of November 2, 2006
|
| |
|
|
| |
Big X opening to redirect walking routes
BY KELLY BARTLING, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Campus pedestrians will soon have a longer, but safer, route crossing railroad tracks on the north edge of City Campus.
On Nov. 7, the sidewalk crossing the 14th Street railroad tracks will close permanently, replaced by an eight-foot tall chain link fence. The closure is a portion of the $240 million Antelope Valley project, a joint effort between UNL, the City of Lincoln and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Ante-lope Valley Project has established a new path that allows pedestrians to pass to the east of the 14th Street crossing. Pedestrians can also access campus via the 10th Street pedestrian bridge to the west, or cross at the 17th Street railroad crossing (which is slated to close in 2008).
"Mainly those affected are students and workers who park in that area and walk across the tracks to get to work, classes, and residence halls," said John Springer, project manager for UNL Facilities Planning and Construction. "Their daily routines are going to need to be altered."
The closure of the 14th Street crossing comes as the south leg of the Big X opens to vehicle traffic Nov. 3. The Big X is an elevated intersection that is designed to span the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad tracks at 14th and 17th streets.
When completed, the Antelope Valley Project will include roadways from 14th Street and Cornhusker Highway to 19th and K streets, and from 27th Street to Ninth and 10th streets - all crossing at the zenith of the Big X. The name of north-south roadway is Antelope Valley Parkway, and the east-west stretch is Salt Creek Roadway.
With the addition of the south leg, the Big X is currently a "Big T." Construction of the east leg is scheduled for 2008. When the east leg is complete, the 17th Street pedestrian crossing will also close, giving pedestrians north of the tracks a choice between the new pathway to the east and the 10th Street pedestrian bridge to the west.
The new pedestrian path includes two bridges that span the Antelope Valley creek east of the Big X. The lighted path allows pedestrians to pass under the Big X roadway and the railroad tracks, as they loop toward the Harper-Schramm-Smith and Village residence halls.
The route adds approximately five to six blocks for walkers who would normally cross at 14th Street. A bit of planning and adjusting of parking habits can cut that trek considerably, Parking and Transit Services director Dan Carpenter said.
"We recommend that students and staff who are now parking in the New Hampshire Perimeter lot and live or work in a residence hall, to move to either the Court Street or Stormies Perimeter parking lots," Carpenter said.
He added that the Court Street lot has capacity to handle New Hampshire lot vehicles. However, UNL buses will continue to stop at the New Hampshire lot.
Parking and Transit Services will issue a limited number of non-reserved lot and 14th and Avery Garage permits for individuals who choose to move to non-Perimeter lots. Anyone interested in moving to a different lot can contact the Parking and Transit Services Office at 472-1800 for availability, cost and information.
The Perimeter bus route will continue to serve all three lots affected by this phase of the project.
Springer and Carpenter said although it's been known for several years that the 14th Street crossing would close, until those directly affected are confronted with a fence blocking their access, the news probably won't entirely set in. For anyone thinking that scaling the fence is a good idea, security cameras are in place.
"We've publicized this for the last couple years to try to make everyone aware that when 14th street closes, pedestrians will have to follow the different routes," Springer said.
Springer said the university is working with Antelope Valley partners to put signage in place near 14th Street to inform pedestrians not to use the crossing.
"It's a double-edged sword I'd say," Carpenter said. "For those who are used to traveling directly across 14th, it will be longer, but if you're never waiting for the train, then it might be just as quick or quicker than it was before."
Springer said upcoming phases of the Antelope Valley project include work on the east leg of the Big X and the southeast leg of Salt Creek Roadway (from the X Street bridge near Nebraska Hall to 19th and K streets). In the spring, work will begin on the Antelope Creek channel between Y and Vine streets.
The bulk of the remaining work affecting UNL will take place over the next two years.
GO TO: ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 2
NEWS HEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER 2
'Broyhill' Joe
Accreditation review team hosts open forums
Big X opening to redirect walking routes
Program links undergrads, teen immigrants
UNL maintains lead in grain research effort
Gallup survey review begins
McGovern offers Thompson Forum lecture Nov. 9
UNL farm certified organic
732617S36369X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
