SELINSGROVE — The construction of a science building across the street from Susquehanna University’s main campus has led to fears of incidents between pedestrians and motorists.
Those fears may soon be alleviated with a 44-inch metal fence along University Avenue that is expected to be completed in the next month.
The $1.5 million University Avenue improvements project, starting near the main entrance of Susquehanna University and ending at 18th Street, began last summer after Selinsgrove borough officials reviewed plans for the school’s new science building and the modest expansion of the admissions office parking lot.
“The concern of the borough was that it would have added crossings on University Avenue, and pedestrian safety has been an issue of the university and the borough,” said John Bickhart, Selinsgrove borough manager.
The science building is expected to be completed in March.
Susquehanna University is paying for the road project, which will include five texturized crosswalks, and low-level street lights. The project is partially funded by a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program state grant.
Crosswalks were at first to be placed only in the area of the science building, but the borough was concerned about a wider area where visitors, students and faculty would be crossing University Avenue.
The university also just recently purchased a Catholic church along University Avenue, also across from the main campus.
According to Rick Rebuck, assistant director of facilities management at Susquehanna University, the school has not decided how that property will be used.
Brick piers with concrete toppings are currently located along University Avenue. Black metal fencing, intended to prohibit pedestrians from crossing except at the crosswalks, will be installed between the piers.
“It remains to be seen how many kids will hop the fence,” Bickhart said. “But you have to deal with the public as cattle, and we’re building a corral.”
There are more than 1,900 students enrolled this fall at Susquehanna University.
The area around the fencing will be landscaped in the spring, Rebuck said.
The project has been able to move along quickly, according to Bickhart, mostly because of closing University Avenue for about three weeks in the summer.
Officials had talked about the possibility of creating tunnels or overhead crossings as part of the project, which was being planned for two years. They had also reduced the speed limit to 25 mph as an initial step to try to increase safety, Bickhart said.
There were originally three crosswalks, then two, he said, and at that point the borough posted an additional warning at the mid-block crosswalks.
However, pedestrians continued to cross at places other than crosswalks, and motorists would sometimes stop for them, and sometimes not.
“That confusion, in my opinion,” Bickhart said, “was very hazardous.”
News
Related Photos
Discussion
Fence will route SU campus walkers
- News
-
-
Raw milk remains popular, despite illnesses
WASHINGTON — The popularity of unpasteurized raw milk remains strong despite warnings from public health officials about its dangers and outbreaks of bacterial infections. In the latest case untreated contaminated milk from a Pennsylvania farm has sickened 38 people on the East Coast. It's a reminder of the risks of consuming milk bottled straight from the cow.
-
State Supreme Court explains legislative redistricting decision
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court today explained its reasons for rejecting the state's legislative redistricting plan last week, and a justice who disagreed with the ruling said this year's races will have to be held under the existing, decade-old maps.
-
Heinz Endowments fund Flight 93 oral histories
PITTSBURGH — A project to compile oral histories of those connected to the crash of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 will continue for at least the next three years due to a $225,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments.
-
LARA looks ahead
LEWISBURG -- The Lewisburg Community Pool and spring and summer schedule of events are the big concerns these days for those running the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority. Officials are confident they finally have the regional recreation authority's financial situation under control.
-
Wirth not first driver to face murder charge
LEWISBURG -- Christopher Wirth isn't the first person to face a third-degree murder charge in connection with a fatal crash in Union County. "A death involving a vehicle can support third-degree murder depending on the acts of the subject," District Attorney D. Peter Johnson said Thursday.
-
Bumpy ride for prison officers
SUNBURY -- It's been a rough week for two Northumberland County Prison commanders who were suspended without pay, had their wages reinstated, were laid off and then rehired. On Monday, Brian Wheary was suspended without pay from his $36,030-a-year position as commander. By Thursday, the 37-year-old was back on the job.
-
Reality TV star ready for visit
SHAMOKIN -- Ron Shirley has never been to Shamokin, has never been to the Valley at all, but he has an idea of what's waiting for him here. "The only thing I expect is to meet friendly, honest people," said Shirley, a star of the hit Tru TV reality series, "Lizard Lick Towing."
-
Masser to seek 2nd term
ELYSBURG -- State Rep. Kurt Masser, a Republican from Elysburg, announced Thursday that he will seek a second term representing the 107th Legislative District in the state House. "I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking a second term to represent the people of our area," he said. "We've accomplished a lot in our first term, but there is so much more to do. I want to keep being an independent voice for our community in Harrisburg."
-
West Milton man arraigned on robbery charges
A West Milton man is the second suspect in an armed robbery at a West Buffalo Township convenience store Saturday night. Michael Gulli, 41, of 310 Broad St., was arrested by Milton state police who said Gulli was involved in pointing a gun at two employees of the Forest Hill Store, on Buffalo Road, in Union County, and threatening to kill them.
-
Show guns for 1,500
LEWISBURG -- Hundreds of long rifles and other Colonial weapons that helped win the Revolutionary War and forge a nation will be on display -- and some, for sale -- today through Saturday at the fifth annual 18th Century Artisan Show.
-
VIDEO: Social media command center helps Super Bowl visitors
Indianapolis is the first Super Bowl host city to utilize the power of Twitter and other social media to help football fans get the most out of football's biggest event.
-
Tim Burns drops out of U.S. Senate race
HARRISBURG — An entrepreneur from southwestern Pennsylvania is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate now that the Republican Party has endorsed another candidate.
- More News Headlines
-
