AMHERST — Crosswalks, sidewalks and intersections are being improved at the University of Massachusetts this week and in the lead-up to the beginning of the fall semester.
Short-term recommendations aimed at improving pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety from traffic consultant Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. of Springfield are commencing along both Commonwealth and Massachusetts avenues, which are the two four-lane roads on campus.
A student was fatally injured in February after being hit by a vehicle on Massachusetts Avenue, while another student suffered serious injuries in March when struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while crossing the same road.
The projects include raised crosswalks, textured pavement inlay, and Americans with Disabilities Act curb cuts for crosswalks, reflectorized and thermoplastic paint markings, and flashing pedestrian beacons. New signs and landscaping are also being modified to improve sightlines.
As part of the work, police details will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction when necessary.
The projects for improving campus and pedestrian safety, totaling $2.5 million, are included in $22 million in one-time strategic initiatives aimed at promoting and enhancing critical campus objectives that were announced by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance on Friday.
Other initiatives include $3.9 million for student success and well-being; $2.8 million for high-speed computing, faculty research support, center seed grants, and other support services; and $2.4 million to launch a net carbon zero program including vehicle charging stations and clean energy equipment.
The lone detour being set up during the campus and pedestrian safety projects is at the intersection of Massachusetts and Sunset avenues, where the entrance to Sunset for vehicles heading east on Massachusetts will be closed. The exit from Sunset onto Massachusetts Avenue eastbound will remain open.
Starting Wednesday, both the entrance and exit at the intersection of Massachusetts and Sunset avenues will be temporarily closed, with northbound traffic being diverted to North Hadley Road to access Lot 32. The detour is expected to end Aug. 22.
These closures are required for improvements to hardscape at the intersection.