Crosswalks and crossguards helping to create safe WSSU campus streets

The short-term changes in traffic routes and pedestrian flow in front of Winston-Salem State are causing some delays. But the adjustments will protect and provide long-term safety.

WSSU and the city of Winston-Salem went into discussions 18 months ago about the dangers of crossing Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Therefore a plan to construct solid concrete median was implemented.

In addition to the median, the University has hired private security officers from G4S Wackenhut to assist with street crossings at the corner of MLK Boulevard and Stadium Drive. The security officers were requested Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 The median will extend from Reynolds Park Road at the intersection of the Anderson Center to Stadium Drive.

"The islands that are being built in the middle of the street are designed to funnel the foot traffic to the crosswalks," Chancellor Reaves said.

"It's a way of making sure students cross at the lights," he said. "It's purely for safety."

Since 2001 approximately eight to 10 students have been hit by motor vehicles on MLK Boulevard along the campus's vicinity.

Stan Polanis, director of transportation for the city of Winston-Salem, said that a report was done in October 2008, and the number of pedestrian accidents is even more staggering.

 "We were really just looking at pedestrian accidents in that area, not all accidents," Polanis said.

"Between Jan. 1, 2007 and October 2008, we found four pedestrian vehicle accidents in that stretch of road."

With the changes in traffic patterns, such as a temporary one-lane road, safety is also being stressed during the construction.  

"University officials wanted to provide an extra layer of protection for students crossing the roadway until the traffic calming plan is completed," said Patricia Norris, chief of police and director of public safety.

"We are requesting again that students cross only at designated crosswalks and follow the directions of the security officers who are assisting them. Students are to refrain from talking on their cell phones and pay attention to their surroundings when crossing the street."

Norris also said that the security officers may serve just as a temporary resolution.

"If the traffic calming initiatives are effective, we may no longer need the security officers," Norris said.

Polanis said he is not aware of any money coming from the University to support this project.  He said that it is being financed by funds from the city, the state, and the federal government.

"I don't remember exactly how much, but I think the cost [of the project] is about half a million dollars."           

 The city is also placing a five-foot wrought-iron fence along the median.

  Polanis said that most of the median work will be done within the next few weeks.

"At some point this fall, we will plant something in those medians," Polanis said. 

"I think once the project is done, it will be pretty attractive and should help with safety."