TMCnet News
EDITORIAL: Pedestrian bridge closure extends safety concernNov 21, 2012 (Moscow-Pullman Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Visitors to the Washington State University campus can expect traffic along Stadium Way to become increasingly busier -- at least the foot traffic. On Monday, the 47-foot Nevada Street pedestrian bridge that crosses above Stadium Way connecting WSU's largest residence complex to the heart of its campus closed indefinitely. Shutting down a bridge that has outlived its useable lifespan is not a terrible idea. It's actually pretty good thinking considering travelers on and below it do not want pieces of the bridge or the entire span coming down. Faculty, staff and student safety should be the guiding force for university operations. So it made sense when Ev Davis, assistant vice president of WSU Facilities Operations, announced that despite having been inspected regularly and in no imminent danger of collapsing, the bridge would close as a matter of public safety. At the same time, closure leaves pedestrians and drivers with some difficulties. Stadium Way is one of the most heavily used streets on campus and in Pullman. The Nevada Street bridge was the same for pedestrians -- particularly those living in the Stephenson towers. With the closure, vehicles and pedestrians are forced to use the same route which could cause a variety of problems. Davis acknowledged that too many pedestrians trying to cross Stadium Way will create a traffic jam, and recommended drivers use alternate routes, which could also clog during heavy use. In addition, pedestrians were encouraged to use the other sky bridges. But that doesn't break habit. When it comes to going to class, work or any other daily task people tend to have a set path -- their brain is on autopilot-mode, especially when running late. The likelihood of them changing that path, or remembering they were supposed to, is small. WSU officials are aware the closure will have an effect. Mike Leonas, director of design services, said they plan to meet with the city to devise a way to better manage the traffic. But with no immediate plans for a new bridge, it seems public safety will remain a main issue for WSU until there is one. ___ (c)2012 the Moscow-Pullman Daily News (Moscow, Idaho) Visit the Moscow-Pullman Daily News (Moscow, Idaho) at www.dnews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |