University Avenue Roadway Improvements to Address Pedestrian Safety
The University of Florida, along with its partners in the City of Gainesville and the Florida Department of Transportation are announcing a new series of pedestrian safety initiatives that highlight their continued commitment to improve the safety of the campus community.
These safety improvements — from raised crosswalks along University Avenue to new, one-way traffic patterns — are aimed at mitigating serious injuries and fatalities along one of the campus’ main traffic arteries and make the streets and roadways surrounding campus safer and more accessible for everyone.
“Safety is at the core of FDOT’s mission,” said Travis Humphries, FDOT District 2, Director of Operations. “We are dedicated to designing, constructing, maintaining, and improving our roadways to make them as safe as possible.”
Please see the series of safety improvement initiatives along University Avenue that are underway and anticipated to start in the next few months:
One-way Traffic Pattern – completed
Two new one-way traffic patterns have been implemented on NW 18th Street (southbound) and NW 17th Street (northbound) at University Avenue with a modification to Fletcher Drive making it one-way north all the way to University Avenue. Along with this new traffic pattern change is the implementation of new bicycle lanes and signals.
Traffic Signal Improvements – currently in progress
To improve safety and increase pedestrian mobility, FDOT is adding enhanced traffic signals and crosswalks at University Avenue 16th Street and at 19th Street. Both intersections will also have new, striped crosswalks as well as improved sidewalks and curb ramps on the corners.
Raised Crosswalks – expected to begin January 2023
The initiative involves adding enhanced raised crosswalks at two locations along University Avenue; one across from the main entrance to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the other just west of NW 14th Street. These crosswalks will be signalized and provide pedestrian overhead lighting. The goal is to control the speed of traffic as well as improve pedestrian visibility. Additionally, the raised crosswalks will be at the same elevation as the sidewalks, thus creating a more accessible experience for all pedestrians. These crosswalks will replace the temporary speed tables along University Avenue. Drivers can expect single-lane closures and periodic sidewalk closures throughout the duration of the project.
Lighting Improvements – expected to begin early 2023
The lighting improvements project will add additional street lighting, as well as upgrade existing lighting features, along University Avenue. These improvements will allow for better pedestrian and motorist visibility. Construction for this project is expected to begin early 2023, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
Other updates along University Avenue include:
- Reduced speed limits and additional speed limit signage.
- Retiming traffic signals to manage vehicle speeds.
- Trimming trees along University Avenue to improve traffic visibility.
- Gainesville has debuted new signage at the intersection of University Avenue and 13th Street indicating turning vehicles yield to pedestrians on the signage. This is the first of its kind in the state of Florida.
UF and their valued partners will continue to implement and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. For the safety of yourself and others, we encourage drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic laws, stay alert to construction workers and traffic devices, and to closely follow signage along the detour routes.
With the numerous construction projects on and around campus, we recognize the value of being transparent and forthcoming with our community members about all road impacts and closures. We would like to remind you of a useful resource, UF’s campus construction map. This website was created to publicly communicate the current and upcoming roadway, sidewalk, parking, and building entrance impacts due to construction on campus. To learn more about the website, please watch this video.
If you have any questions regarding the construction on campus, please email BusinessAffairs@ufl.edu