Kearsley Corridor work re-routes traffic
Bryant Harland
Issue date: 9/15/08 Section: Campus
Construction of Kearsley Corridor is on schedule and is expected to be completed by late October or early November, according to vice chancellor Bill Webb.
The project started as an effort to help connect downtown Flint, UM-Flint, Mott Community College, Kettering University and the Cultural Center by extending Kearsley Street.
Some concerns, such as safety, are being addressed.
"There will be stop signs at both ends and a three-way stop at Wallenberg and Kearsley. There will be bike lanes on either side. There will be no trucks allowed, and there will be slow school zone [signs]," Webb said.
An e-mail sent Friday afternoon by Webb stated that the University expects the closure of the Kearsley and Wallenberg intersection within the next week. The intersection is expected to be closed two to three weeks once construction begins.
Efforts have been made to limit the amount of time roads are closed so traffic can progress as smoothly as possible.
Some students are concerned with the road construction.
"I think it's a bad idea because it will make students stop and wait for traffic," student Samantha Potter said. "If they're running late for class, it could be dangerous."
Although safety is a major issue, many students expressed other concerns regarding the new project, as did student Christen Johnson.
"I don't know if it is [effective] or not," she said. "I like walking through here; I don't really want to have to walk through a busy street. I liked the trees, there aren't a lot of trees downtown."
Although efforts are being made to address concerns from student safety to Flint scenery, the total impact of the road will not be known until it is finished in late October.
DETOURS, DETOURS, DETOURS
During the 2-3 week construction period, entry and exit into the Harrison Street parking deck will be maintained. However, all exiting traffic from the parking deck will be required to turn left onto Kearsley heading west toward Harrison Street. Access for persons with disabilities to the Wallenberg flat lot (LOT C) will be maintained coming from First Street.
In addition, persons with disabilities who park in LOT C and require access to French Hall, MSB, and the Theatre will be able to use the sidewalk adjacent to the ramp on the west side of Wallenberg. The precise Kearsley Street crossing location is yet to be determined.
- E-mail from vice chancellor Bill Webb
The project started as an effort to help connect downtown Flint, UM-Flint, Mott Community College, Kettering University and the Cultural Center by extending Kearsley Street.
Some concerns, such as safety, are being addressed.
"There will be stop signs at both ends and a three-way stop at Wallenberg and Kearsley. There will be bike lanes on either side. There will be no trucks allowed, and there will be slow school zone [signs]," Webb said.
An e-mail sent Friday afternoon by Webb stated that the University expects the closure of the Kearsley and Wallenberg intersection within the next week. The intersection is expected to be closed two to three weeks once construction begins.
Efforts have been made to limit the amount of time roads are closed so traffic can progress as smoothly as possible.
Some students are concerned with the road construction.
"I think it's a bad idea because it will make students stop and wait for traffic," student Samantha Potter said. "If they're running late for class, it could be dangerous."
Although safety is a major issue, many students expressed other concerns regarding the new project, as did student Christen Johnson.
"I don't know if it is [effective] or not," she said. "I like walking through here; I don't really want to have to walk through a busy street. I liked the trees, there aren't a lot of trees downtown."
Although efforts are being made to address concerns from student safety to Flint scenery, the total impact of the road will not be known until it is finished in late October.
DETOURS, DETOURS, DETOURS
During the 2-3 week construction period, entry and exit into the Harrison Street parking deck will be maintained. However, all exiting traffic from the parking deck will be required to turn left onto Kearsley heading west toward Harrison Street. Access for persons with disabilities to the Wallenberg flat lot (LOT C) will be maintained coming from First Street.
In addition, persons with disabilities who park in LOT C and require access to French Hall, MSB, and the Theatre will be able to use the sidewalk adjacent to the ramp on the west side of Wallenberg. The precise Kearsley Street crossing location is yet to be determined.
- E-mail from vice chancellor Bill Webb
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Dick Sadler
posted 9/23/08 @ 10:02 PM EST
Again, I lament the unfortunate lack of education prevalent by the students interviewed. Do these people not realize that roads traverse the cores of campuses all over the world, or that we in fact laud campuses such as UM-Ann Arbor for their urban feel? As for the statement about "trees"--does this person not realize that there is a full-city-block-sized park right next to it? Surely there are plenty of "trees" there, since that is so big of an issue. (Continued…)
Bryant Harland
posted 10/26/08 @ 12:28 PM EST
First of all, I do agree. The road is a good step in helping Flint get back on track, and, hopefully, a step to make UM-Flint look like those other campuses. (Continued…)
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