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Smaller"We appreciate Congressman David McIntosh's willingness to sponsor this important project," said Ball State University President John E. Worthen. "With his assistance, the university can realize one of its long-standing goals of reducing congestion in the center of campus. We are fortunate to have a congressman who has first-hand knowledge of the problem."
Muncie Mayor Dan Canan joined Worthen in expressing support for the project.
"It will be of real benefit to the City of Muncie since these city streets handle large volumes of through traffic each day," Canan said.
The project, which seeks to reduce congestion and channel vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the campus' main north-south and east-west corridors, has been under consideration for more than 10 years.
It has been estimated that between 80,000-90,000 pedestrian crossings occur in the area on a typical weekday, competing for space with campus shuttle buses, city buses, automobiles, and bicycles.
The safety improvements would include structural modifications to McKinley between Bethel and University, and Riverside between Meadow Lane and Dicks Street. The changes are designed to slow traffic and separate pedestrians and vehicles by narrowing the streets, providing pedestrian safety islands and limiting crossing points.
The plan also calls for major infrastructure improvements including utilities relocation, new storm drainage systems, and new lighting and traffic signals. If Congress approves the funding, the university estimates it will take 3-5 years to complete the project.
"The mix of pedestrian and vehicle traffic through the center of the campus has been an issue for many years," said Worthen. "This may be an excellent opportunity to improve the situation."
