walkability accessibility university massachusetts lowell report finalc_tcm18-937.pdf · (such as...

Walkability Accessibility University Massachusetts Lowell

Report Development: Health Education Students, Julie Brodie and Penny Bruce in partial completion for course work, Service Learning 31-409 Funding: The Healthy Campus Campaign is funded through SHE Signature Initiative Funds Principle Investigators: Dr. Deirdra Murphy and Dr. Cynthia Ferrara, Assistant Professors Physical Therapy Department

Report Summary..................................................................................................... 2

EAST CAMPUS SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 4

Pawtucket St. (Between Recreation Center and LeLacheur Park) ............................. 5

Exit from the parking garage onto Pawtucket St. ....................................................... 7

Intersection of Aiken St., Perkins St., and Pawtucket St. ........................................... 9

Cross walk from Donahue Hall to Fox Hall ............................................................. 11

Short bridge on Pawtucket St. (above the Northern Canal/water plant)................... 13

University Bridge...................................................................................................... 15

NORTH CAMPUS SUMMARY...................................................................................... 18

Intersection of University Bridge and the VFW Highway ....................................... 19

University Ave (in front of Lydon & Southwick) .................................................... 21

Riverside St./University Ave Intersection ................................................................ 23

Standish St. (behind Lydon Library) ........................................................................ 25

Roadway from Olsen to Olney ................................................................................. 27

Behind Olney Hall rear entrance............................................................................... 29

Walk to the Pleasant St.Overflow Parking Lot from Olney Hall. ............................ 31

Walk from East side of University Bridge to South Campus ................................... 33

SOUTH CAMPUS SUMMARY ...................................................................................... 36

Beginning of Wilder St. (near Hess) to the intersection of Broadway ..................... 37

Intersection of Broadway and Wilder ....................................................................... 39

Crosswalk between Coburn Hall and the bus stop.................................................... 41

Crosswalk between Mahoney Hall and Dugan Hall ................................................. 43

Rear exit of Dugan to rear exit of Mahoney Hall ..................................................... 45

Riverview Parking Lot.............................................................................................. 47

*Original Audits follow each segment

Background:

The main objective of this initiative was to assess the “walkability” of UMass Lowell. The purpose was to evaluate the UMass Lowell campus by using the following criteria: pedestrian facilities, pedestrian conflicts, crosswalks, maintenance, path size, buffer, universal accessibility, aesthetics, and shade. Methods:

The data were collected by means of an observational assessment using CDC’s “walkability” audit tool. Two student observers walked the three campuses taking notes and pictures of each segment on October 15, 2007. Each campus was broken down into multiple sub-segments which were determined by the two students. Pedestrian use and or pedestrian/vehicle conflict was the main criteria in segmenting the sections.

The audit tool from the CDC classified the criteria into high, medium and low importance. Pedestrian facilities, pedestrian conflicts, and crosswalks were classified under high importance; maintenance, path size, buffer, universal accessibility, and aesthetics were classified under medium importance; and shade was identified as low importance. Each criterion involved a numerical scale of one to five; one being the lowest and five being the highest rate of approval.

In order to give a percent score for the total walkability of each segment, all of the areas designated as high importance were multiplied by three, medium importance factors were multiplied by two and the factor of low importance was multiplied by one. These scores were then added up to identify a percentage out of one hundred.

Results:

The results of the walkability assessment showed that UMass Lowell as a whole is moderately walkable, and could benefit from some improvements. The average walkability of East, North, and South combined was 68 out of a possible 100. Out of the three campuses, South ranked the highest with a score of 75.3; North was next with a score of 64.8; and East was last with a score of 64.

Limitations:

The main limitation of using the CDC’s walkability audit was that it was made to assess areas such as streets, intersections, or crosswalks, and not the inner parts of the campus. For example, South ended up having the highest walkability score out of the three campuses; however, if the walkability of the inner part of the campus was assessed (such as the stairs behind Coburn, the pathway between the Coburn parking lot to Mahoney, and the steep hill that individuals must climb to enter the main entrance of Mahoney), it would not have ranked as high.

However, overall, the walkability audit did fairly indicate that UMass Lowell needs to improve its walkability.

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EAST CAMPUS

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EAST CAMPUS SUMMARY

Trail Segments A- Pawtucket St. (Recreation Center/LeLacheur Park) B- Exit for Pawtucket St. Parking Garage C- Intersection of Aiken and Pawtucket St. (Next to IPI) D- Crosswalk from Fox bus stop to Fox Hall E- Short Bridge on Pawtucket (above water plant) F- University Bridge Trail Segment EAST CAMPUS

A B C D E F Total 93 48 67 71 45 60Facilities 5 3 5 5 4 3 Conflicts 4 1 1 2 1 3 Crosswalks 4 1 5 3 5 4 Maintenance 5 5 5 5 1 4 Size 5 1 5 5 2 3 Buffer 5 1 1 1 2 3 Access 5 4 4 3 1 2 Aesthetics 5 3 3 5 1 2 Shade 4 5 2 3 1 2 Trail segment A is safe and attractive for walking. Trail segments C, D are moderately walkable. Trail segments B, E, F are hazardous for walking.

Avg= 64 Safe= 90-100 Moderate= 65-89 Hazardous= 64 and below As a whole, East Campus is on the bubble of being hazardous to moderately walkable. The average score of all the walking segments is 64. The only place that is safe and attractive for walking is in front of the Recreation Center. On the other extreme end, the exit for the parking garage, and the short canal bridge on Pawtucket St. are hazardous walking circumstances for pedestrians.

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East Campus

Segment A- Pawtucket St. (Between Recreation Center and LeLacheur Park) Crosswalk from LeLacheur to Rec Center

Figure B

Sidewalks and recreation area in front of Rec Center

Figure A Site Summary- This site consists of a short segment of Pawtucket Street: starting at the beginning of Pawtucket St. and ending at the Parking Garage entrance. It includes the street between the Recreation Center and LeLacheur Park.

• Hazards: Overall, this section had minimal hazards. Of the hazards that do exist, they include: High pedestrian and vehicle conflict at the intersection (depicted in figure A); and tough glare for drivers during certain hours of the day.

• Connectivity: Crosswalks are present and visible • Universal Accessibility: This section has wide sidewalks, smooth pavement, and

curb cuts to aid individuals who are mobility impaired. • Aesthetics: This section is very pleasant and aesthetically pleasing. • Recreational Potential: Side walks are wide and smooth allowing for running,

biking, skateboarding, etc. There is also a large grassy area conducive to recreational use such as Frisbee, football, wiffle ball, etc (See Figure B).

Suggested Improvements Potential improvements in walkability could be made by:

• A caution sign for drivers that indicates frequent pedestrians. • Addition of street lights for better driver and pedestrian visibility.

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October 15, 2007 Pawtucket St. at Recreation Center

Sum of High importance (A-C): 13 x 3 = 39 Sum of Medium importance (D-H) 25 x 2 = 50 Sum of Low importance (I) 4 x 1 = 4 Total Score: 93/100

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East Campus

Segment B- This site includes the intersection between vehicle exit from the parking garage onto Pawtucket St.

Exit of Parking Garage

Site Summary

• Hazards: There is high pedestrian and vehicle conflict potential. There is no stop sign for cars or cross walk for pedestrians. There is also a tough glare for drivers during certain hours of the day.

• Connectivity: There is no cross walk, and sidewalks are interrupted due to the driveway.

• Universal Accessibility: Curb cuts are present on side walks, but the same hazards listed above concern mobility impaired individuals as well.

• Aesthetics: This section is not extremely appealing or unappealing. It is average. • Recreational Potential: If desired, it is possible to run, bike, skateboard, etc on

this site.


• A stop sign for drivers exiting the parking garage • A caution sign indicating pedestrians • Painting a cross-walk across this site

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Exit for Pawtucket St. Garage


October 15, 2007

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East Campus

Segment C- Intersection of Aiken St., Perkins St., and Pawtucket St.

Intersection at IPI

Site Summary- This intersection is always packed with cars. There is a lot of traffic during rush hour. Students constantly cross this intersection throughout the day as well as at night. There are four cross walks, but many times cars do not slow down.

• Hazards: There is high pedestrian and vehicle conflict potential. Cars turning from Aiken St. onto Pawtucket St present major pedestrian and vehicle conflict. There is a large amount of traffic during rush hour, and when there is not a lot of traffic, cars reach high speeds. There are no signs cautioning cars to slow for pedestrians, and the lighting is very minimal at night.

• Connectivity: There are four cross walks for pedestrians. • Universal Accessibility: Curb cuts are present on side walks, but the one next to

the dirt lot is cracking and dangerous for wheel chair use. • Aesthetics: This section has average aesthetics for an intersection. The dirt lot

and traffic are not very appealing, but the surrounding buildings (LeLacheur Park and the Recreation Center) make this site more appealing.

• Recreational Potential: If desired, it is possible to run, bike, skateboard, etc on the sidewalks, although it may be dangerous when crossing the intersection.


• A blinking yellow light facing both directions of Aiken St. above the intersection • A caution sign indicating pedestrians • Addition of street lights to increase visibility of pedestrians at night • Fix cracking of the Aiken St side walk next to the Dirt Lot.

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Intersection of Aiken and Pawtucket St.


October 15, 2007

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East Campus

Segment D- Cross walk from Donahue Hall and the Bus Stop to Fox Hall

Crosswalk between Fox and bus stop

Site Summary- Pawtucket St. is a one way road. It is not constrained only to campus drivers, but is available for all drivers to use. Shuttle buses constantly drop off and pick up students, while cars try to pass the bus that is pulled off to the side. It is difficult for the cars to see the students trying to cross the street when the buses are in the way.

• Hazards: There is high pedestrian and vehicle conflict potential. Many cars fly down the road without slowing down for pedestrians. It is especially dangerous when the Shuttle buses are picking up and dropping off students because it takes up a majority of the road; some cars do not slow down when passing the bus, which is dangerous for students who are getting off the bus and crossing the road, but cannot see around the Shuttle. There is also a tough glare during certain times of the day.

• Connectivity: There is a cross walk, however, it is made of brick and there are no lines across it.

• Universal Accessibility: Curb cuts are present on side walks, however, the mobility impaired need to go out of their way (to the left or right side of fox hall) in order to find a ramp.

• Aesthetics: This segment is aesthetically pleasing considering its location. It is surrounded by four dormitories and there are many cars parked on the side of the road.

• Recreational Potential: If desired, it is possible to run, bike, skateboard, etc on the sidewalks.


• Lines painted on the bricks to identify the cross walk • A speed bump (removable- so that the road can still be plowed in the winter) • A caution sign indicating pedestrians • A mirror on Fox Hall side so that when there is a shuttle blocking the view of the

road, students crossing the road can see if any cars are coming

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Crosswalk between Fox and bus stop


October 15, 2007

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East Campus Segment E- Short bridge on Pawtucket St. (above the Northern Canal/water plant)

Short bridge on Pawtucket

Site Summary- This assessment was done on October 15, 2007. However, some changes have been made since then including filling in the concrete barrier (shown above). The following information is based on the assessment done on October 15th.

• Hazards: Very thin sidewalk. With high use, many pedestrians are forced to walk on the road because there is not enough room on the sidewalk. There are many cracks and crevices on the bridge which are dangerous to pedestrians.

• Connectivity: The bridge clearly connects two other points. • Universal Accessibility: The cracking on the bridge as well as its narrowness

makes it very difficult for the mobility impaired. • Aesthetics: This segment is very unappealing. It has been under construction for

a while, and the cracking concrete is very uninviting. • Recreational Potential: This bridge is not conducive to walking, biking, etc.


• Widen the space between the barrier to allow for more pedestrians • Fix the cracks and holes in the concrete • Paint the railing

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Canal Bridge on Pawtucket St.


October 15, 2007

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East Campus Segment F- University Bridge

University Bridge Metal indent on bridge

Site Summary- The University Bridge connects East and North Campus. It is used non- stop throughout the day and into the late hours of the night.

• Hazards: There is only one sidewalk available to pedestrians, and it is very thin. The one on the other side has some kind of pipe/tunnel on it. There are also small divots made of metal on the sidewalk. This is dangerous for people’s ankles, and they also become very slippery when wet. Since the sidewalk is so thin, it becomes very difficult when pedestrians try to pass other pedestrians (especially if one is riding a bike).

• Connectivity: The bridge clearly connects East and North Campus. • Universal Accessibility: The divots on the bridge as well as its narrowness make

it very difficult for the mobility impaired. • Aesthetics: This segment is very unappealing. It has been under construction for

a while, with barrels everywhere, and constant traffic. • Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run on this bridge, but biking is

very difficult.


• Open the other side walk for use. • Designate one side for walking, and the other for biking • Eliminate the metal “cracks” in the pavement on the bridge sidewalk

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University Bridge


October 15, 2007

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NORTH CAMPUS

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NORTH CAMPUS SUMMARY Trail Segments A- University Bridge/VFW Highway Intersection B- University Ave to Riverside St. Lights C- Riverside St. Intersection D- Standish St. (behind Eames Hall) E- Olney Hall Entrance (Sarah Ave) F- Behind Olney (before rear entrance to Costello Gym) Trail Segment NORTH CAMPUS

A B C D E FTotal 64 74 56 49 76 70Facilities 5 5 5 2 5 4 Conflicts 1 1 1 3 3 3 Crosswalks 5 5 5 5 5 4 Maintenance 4 5 1 1 4 5 Size 4 5 4 3 4 4 Buffer 1 1 1 1 1 1 Access 2 4 2 2 4 4 Aesthetics 3 5 3 1 4 3 Shade 3 1 1 3 3 3 Trail segments B, E ,F are moderately walkable. Trail segments A, C, D are hazardous for walking.

Avg= 64.8 Safe= 90-100 Moderate= 65-89 Hazardous= 64 and below As a whole, North Campus is on the bubble of being hazardous to moderately walkable. The average score of all the walking segments is 64.8. No place on North Campus is safe and attractive for walking; however, there are three segments that are very dangerous and hazardous for pedestrians. They include: University Bridge/VFW intersection, the Riverside/ University Ave intersection, and Standish St behind Smith, Eames, and Lydon.

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NORTH CAMPUS

Segment A- Intersection of University Bridge and the VFW Highway

4-way Intersection of VFW and University Ave

Site Summary- This intersection connects the University Bridge to North Campus. Students are constantly crossing this intersection to get to and from class, while cars are constantly driving though. There are lights at this intersection, and there is also a button to press so that a person can safely walk across the street.

• Hazards: There are a lot of cars driving through this intersection, sometimes at high speeds. It is critical to be very cautious when walking through this intersection.

• Connectivity: The intersection connects University Bridge to North Campus. • Universal Accessibility: It is possible for the mobility impaired to cross this

intersection. • Aesthetics: This segment is an average looking intersection. It is has numerous

cars driving, and students walking across it every minute of the day. • Recreational Potential: N/A


• Increase the street lighting for pedestrians who are walking at night. • Put up caution signs that warn drivers of potential student walkers.

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October 15, 2007Intersection of University Ave/VFW Highway

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NORTH CAMPUS

Segment B- University Ave (in front of Smith, Lydon, Eames, Southwick, and Cumnock) to the Riverside St. intersection.

Crosswalk from Lydon to SouthwickSidewalks on North

Site Summary- This street has sidewalks on both sides. There are numerous cross walks that are clearly marked. However, there is high potential for pedestrian/vehicle conflict due to the high amount of traffic on this road.

• Hazards: There are a lot of cars driving on this road • Connectivity: The intersection connects University Bridge to North Campus. • Universal Accessibility: Curb cuts are present on sidewalks, and it is possible for

the mobility impaired to use the sidewalks and cross the street. • Aesthetics: This segment is very appealing. The buildings are nice, and there are

lots of trees and grass. • Recreational Potential: It is possible for a person to run, bike, or rollerblade on

these sidewalks.


• Having crossing guards in the street, especially when a shuttle bus is unloading students.

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October 15, 2007University Ave. to Riverside Lights

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NORTH CAMPUS

Segment C- Riverside St./University Ave Intersection

Intersection of Riverside and University Ave

Electrical wires

Bent Traffic Light

Site Summary- This is a four way intersection with traffic lights. There are crosswalks on all four sides. Many cars drive through this intersection, and many students also walk through this intersection (especially students who have apartments further up University Ave).

• Hazards: There are a lot of cars driving through this intersection. The traffic lights are very hard to see. Sometimes they are even tilted away from the area they are supposed to be facing, which makes it difficult for drivers to see what color their light is. This area is especially dangerous on weekend nights when students are walking to and from apartments and Suppas.

• Connectivity: There are four crosswalks in this intersection. • Universal Accessibility: It is possible for the mobility impaired to cross this

intersection, but not with ease. The pavement of the curb cuts is cracking, and there are no buttons to press to ensure safe crossing.

• Aesthetics: This segment has average appeal. It is an intersection filled with traffic, but the main unappealing element is the amount of electrical wires above the road on University Ave (past Suppas).

• Recreational Potential: N/A


• Increase the amount of lighting for pedestrians • Install better quality traffic lights • Include a button to press so that pedestrians can be assured that they can safely

cross the intersection.

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October 15, 2007 Riverside St/University Ave Intersection

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NORTH CAMPUS Segment D- Standish St. (behind Eames Hall, Lydon Library, Smith Hall)

Standish St.- Sidewalk ends

Dumpster in the middle of Standish St.

Site Summary- This street is very crammed with cars. There is not enough parking, so cars are found lined along the entire road. The sidewalks are cracked, there is a dumpster practically in the middle of the road, and one of the sidewalks abruptly comes to an end. However, there are visible cross walks spread out along the road.

• Hazards: The sidewalk is cracked, and in one spot, it suddenly ends. It is not conducive to walking. There is also a dumpster which is almost in the center of the road; this makes it difficult for cars to get by, and it is a dangerous obstacle for pedestrians as well because it can blind drivers’ views when they are walking.

• Connectivity: There are various visible cross walks along the road. • Universal Accessibility: It would be very difficult for a mobility impaired

individual to get down this road. The sidewalks are not conducive to wheel chair use, and there are many obstacles one would have to avoid.

• Aesthetics: This segment is not very appealing. The dumpster in the middle of the road is not appealing, the sidewalk is cracking, and cars are crammed into a little dirt lot.

• Recreational Potential: On the sidewalk that is cracked and abruptly comes to an end, it is possible to walk or run on, although not recommended. It is not really good for biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc.


• Move the dumpster closer to the building • Re-pave the cracking sidewalk • Pave and expand the dirt lot

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October 15, 2007Standish St. (behind Eames/Lydon/Smith)

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NORTH CAMPUS Segment E- Roadway from Olsen to Olney

Crosswalks between Olsen and Olney

Curb cut across from Olsen that needs to be fixed

Site Summary- There are many different places to cross the street on Riverside Rd. There are two crosswalks between Olsen Hall and Olney Hall. There are continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road, but there is one curb cut that needs attention.

• Hazards: There is potential for high pedestrian and vehicle conflict. Many cars use this road throughout the day, sometimes driving very quickly.

• Connectivity: There are two sidewalks connecting Olney and Olsen. • Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this road is accessible for mobility

impaired individuals. However, there is one curb cut that is not very wide, and needs to be smoothed out (see above).

• Aesthetics: This area has moderate appeal. • Recreational Potential: If one wanted to, it is possible to walk, run, or bike on

the sidewalks.


• Expand and fix the curb cut so that mobility impaired individuals have better access to entering/exiting the sidewalk.

• Put up caution signs for cars to slow down for pedestrians

Page 27


October 15, 2007Riverside St. between Olney and Olsen

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NORTH CAMPUS Segment F- Behind Olney Hall, before Costello Gym rear entrance Site Summary- This site includes the back doorway to Olney Hall, where many pedestrians enter and exit from the big parking lot. It is also the driveway to the back entrance of Costello Gym where many cars enter and exit.

Rear exit of Olney to parking lot

Dangerous curb cut behind Olney

• Hazards: Cars often quickly pull into this driveway while students are walking to or from Olney Hall. As a driver, it is difficult to see around the corner when pulling in, and most pedestrians are focused on where they’re going and don’t stop to make sure cars aren’t entering the driveway.

• Connectivity: There is a cross walk at the very beginning of this driveway (along Riverside St.) but there is no cross walk leading to the door of Olney Hall.

• Universal Accessibility: It is possible for the mobility impaired to travel along this area, although not with great ease. It is steep at some points, and one of the curb cuts looks as though it crumbled apart, and then was just filled in with temporary tar which is not very smooth.

• Aesthetics: This segment is not very appealing. There are a lot of yellow painted metal poles, cracked tar, and cars.

• Recreational Potential: If one wanted to, it is possible to run or bike on the sidewalk


• Paint a cross walk going from Olney Hall to the parking lot • Put up a sign at the beginning of the entrance warning drivers of crossing

pedestrians • Permanently fix the curb cut that is bumpy, and was only temporarily fixed

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October 15, 2007 Behind Olney to Riverside Parking lot

Page 30

Walk to the Pleasant St. Overflow Parking Lot from the big parking lot behind Olney Hall and Costello Gym.

Overgrown vegetation on sidewalk

Entrance to Pleasant St. Lot

Intersection at NY Liquors

Walk to/from Overflow Parking Lot

Total 57 Facilities 4 Conflicts 4 Crosswalks 2 Maintenance 2 Size 3 Buffer 1 Access 1 Aesthetics 3 Shade 3 This segment is hazardous for pedestrians

Site Summary- This segment includes the walk along Riverside St which goes between the Overflow Parking Lot and the big parking lot behind Olney Hall. When there are no parking spaces left in the big lot, commuters must park ¼ mile down the road and then either walk or take the shuttle (when it is there) back up to North Campus. It would be tough to make improvements on this section because the street is owned by the city of Lowell, not by the University.

• Hazards: This is a busy road, and it is especially dangerous to walk through the “intersection” next to NY Liquors because there is no sidewalk. There is also overgrown vegetation and crumbled pavement in various places (See above).

• Connectivity: This segment connects the two parking lots. There is only one cross walk present, and it is the one next to Olney Hall.

• Universal Accessibility: This segment would be very dangerous for an individual who is mobility impaired.

• Aesthetics: This segment has average appeal. • Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run, but with some risk.


• Create more parking spaces on North Campus so that this lot is not needed

Page 31


October 15, 2007Walk to Pleasant St. Parking Lot- ¼ mile

Page 32

Walk from East side of University Bridge to South Campus

University Ave/ Pawtucket St. Intersection School St./ Pawtucket St. Intersection

Walk from East to South Campus

Total 50 Facilities 5 Conflicts 2 Crosswalks 2 Maintenance 2 Size 4 Buffer 1 Access 1 Aesthetics 2 Shade 3 This segment is hazardous for pedestrians

Crosswalk at Hess StationSmall Canal Bridge on Pawtucket St.

Site Summary- This segment includes approximately a one mile walk between East and South Campus. Pedestrians must cross two busy intersections, one of which does not have crossing buttons.

• Hazards: There are two very busy intersections which a pedestrian must cross. The intersection of School St. and Pawtucket St. can be very dangerous to cross, and there is no walking button available for pedestrians.

• Connectivity: There are crosswalks at all necessary points of this segment. • Universal Accessibility: This segment would be very dangerous for an individual

who is mobility impaired, especially at the intersections and the small canal bridge on Pawtucket St. that has yellow barrels and jersey barriers surrounding it (see above).

• Aesthetics: This segment is not very appealing. There is a lot of traffic, and construction. However, when crossing the area over the Merrimack River, it becomes much more appealing.

• Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run, but with some risk.


• Put up signs warning drivers to watch for pedestrians • Add a walk button/sign at the School St/Pawtucket St. intersection • Fix the small canal bridge on Pawtucket St.

Page 33


October 15, 2007Walk from East to South

Page 34

SOUTH CAMPUS

Page 35

SOUTH CAMPUS SUMMARY

Trail Segments A- Wilder St. to Intersection of Broadway St. B- Intersection of Broadway and Wilder C- Crosswalk from Coburn Hall to bus stop D- Crosswalk from Mahoney to Dugan E- Crosswalk from back of Mahoney to back of Dugan F- Riverview Parking Lot Trail Segment SOUTH CAMPUS

A B C D E F Total 83 74 76 73 67 79 Facilities 5 5 5 5 5 5 Conflicts 4 5 1 1 1 3 Crosswalks 5 5 5 5 5 5 Maintenance 4 4 5 4 3 5 Size 4 4 5 5 5 5 Buffer 1 1 1 1 1 1 Access 5 4 5 5 4 4 Aesthetics 5 4 5 4 3 4 Shade 3 1 1 2 2 2 All segments on South Campus are moderately walkable

Avg= 75.3 Safe= 90-100 Moderate= 65-89 Hazardous= 64 and below As a whole, South Campus is moderately walkable. The average score of all the walking segments is 75.3. No place on South Campus is completely safe and attractive for walking; however, there also are no segments that are dangerous or hazardous for pedestrians.

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SOUTH CAMPUS

Segment A- Beginning of Wilder St. (near Hess) to the intersection of Broadway

Crosswalks on Wilder St. Cracked curb cut on Wilder

Site Summary- This segment includes the walk from the end of Wilder to the intersection of Broadway; this road is behind McGauvran. Sidewalks are present on both sides of the road, with three necessary cross walks.

• Hazards: This segment is not very hazardous. There is some potential for pedestrian/vehicle conflict, but those are designated by crosswalks.

• Connectivity: There are crosswalks at all necessary points of this segment. • Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is favorable to mobility

impaired individuals, with the exception of one curb cut that is cracked (see above).

• Aesthetics: This segment is appealing. There are nice trees, and a little park and bench on the side of the road.

• Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk, run, skateboard, rollerblade, etc.


• Fix the cracked curb cut at the crosswalk leading to the faculty parking lot

Page 37

Wilder St. to intersection of Broadway St. October 15, 2007


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SOUTH CAMPUS Segment B- Intersection of Broadway and Wilder

Intersection of Wilder St. and Broadway St.

Site Summary- This segment includes the intersection of Broadway and Wilder. Vehicles constantly drive through this intersection, and pedestrians often cross it as well.

• Hazards: There is potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflict. There is no button for pedestrians to press at the traffic lights, and there are no signs warning drivers to watch for pedestrians.

• Connectivity: There are crosswalks on the four corners of this segment. • Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is approving to mobility

impaired individuals. It is a little dangerous due to the lack of buttons/lights for pedestrians.

• Aesthetics: This segment has average appeal. • Recreational Potential: N/A


• Add crossing buttons/signals on the traffic lights to ensure that pedestrians can safely cross the intersection.

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October 15, 2007Intersection of Broadway and Wilder

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SOUTH CAMPUS Segment C- Crosswalk between Coburn Hall and the bus stop

Crosswalk between Coburn and bus stop

Site Summary- Pedestrians constantly cross this segment throughout the day. Many cars also drive through this area, and there can be some traffic, especially when shuttle buses unload students.

• Hazards: There is potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflict. There are no signs indicating cars to slow down for pedestrians.

• Connectivity: There is a crosswalk at this section. • Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is approving to mobility

impaired individuals. • Aesthetics: This segment is appealing. It is surrounded by the UML buildings, as

well as some trees. • Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run on the sidewalks, and it is

also surrounded by grassy areas.


• Add a sign warning cars that there are pedestrians.

Page 41


October 15, 2007Broadway St. Crosswalk- Coburn and Bus Stop

Page 42

SOUTH CAMPUS Segment D- Crosswalk between Mahoney Hall and Dugan Hall

Crosswalk between Mahoney and Dugan

Site Summary- Pedestrians constantly cross this segment throughout the day. Many cars also drive through this area, so there can be some traffic.

• Hazards: There is potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflict. There are no signs indicating cars to slow down for pedestrians. There is also no stop sign at the exit of Dugan Hall.

• Connectivity: There is a crosswalk at this section. • Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is approving to mobility

impaired individuals. • Aesthetics: This segment is appealing. It is surrounded by the UML buildings, as

well as some trees. • Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run on the sidewalks, and it is

also surrounded by grassy areas.


• Add a sign warning cars that there are pedestrians. • Put up a stop sign at the exit of Dugan Hall.

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October 15, 2007Intersection of Mahoney Driveway, Solomont Way and Broadway St.

Page 44

SOUTH CAMPUS

Segment E- Rear exit of Dugan to rear exit of Mahoney Hall

No stop signs: Mahoney, top lot, or Dugan

Wall blocking view of drivers exiting Mahoney

Site Summary- Pedestrians constantly cross this segment throughout the day. Many cars also drive through this area. It is possible for cars to be coming from five different directions: there are three exits emptying onto Broadway, along with cars driving on both sides of Broadway.

Crosswalk: Dugan to top lot. Curb cut needs fixing

• Hazards: There is potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflict. There is no stop sign at the exit of Dugan, Mahoney, or the top parking lot. There is also a concrete wall which impedes the view of drivers to pedestrians at the exit of Mahoney Hall.

• Connectivity: There is a crosswalk at this section, but no sign indicating cars to slow down for pedestrians.

• Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is approving to mobility impaired individuals. However, it is very steep, and cracked at the rear exit of Dugan, so it may be hard for a person on a wheel chair to slow down.

• Aesthetics: This segment has average appeal. It is surrounded by the UML buildings, as well as the softball field; however, construction has been in progress on Dugan Hall for a long time, which is very loud and unappealing.

• Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run on the sidewalks, and it is next to a softball field and grassy area.


• Add a sign warning cars that there are pedestrians. • Put up stop signs at the exit of Dugan, Mahoney, and the top parking lot • Install a mirror on the telephone pole next to Dugan Hall, across from the rear exit

of Mahoney. This will allow drivers exiting Mahoney to see if anyone is walking on the opposite side of the brick wall.

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October 15, 2007Entrance to Dugan Driveway and end of Mahoney Driveway on Broadway St.

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SOUTH CAMPUS Segment F- Riverview Parking Lot

Riverview Parking Lot

Site Summary- This segment is filled with hundreds of cars driving around and parking, as well as pedestrians walking. There is also a bus loop where shuttles buses turn around.

• Hazards: There is potential for vehicle and pedestrian conflict because there are many cars as well as people walking.

• Connectivity: There are crosswalks between the Riverview lot and buildings on the other side of the road.

• Universal Accessibility: For the most part, this segment is approving to mobility impaired individuals. However, it is steep, and there is no ramp at the top of the parking lot. The only way a person on a wheel chair could exit the building is near the bus turn-around.

• Aesthetics: This segment has average appeal. It is surrounded by the UML buildings, as well as the softball field.

• Recreational Potential: It is possible to walk or run on the sidewalks, and it is next to a softball field and grassy area.


• Paint “stop” on the ground in certain areas in the parking lot where there is high potential for pedestrian/vehicle conflict.

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October 15, 2007


Riverview lot on Broadway St.

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walkability accessibility university massachusetts lowell report finalc_tcm18-937.pdf · (such as...

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