Sidewalks on the south (pictured) and north approaches to the underpass and a pedestrian-only phase in the traffic cycle improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using Haber Road. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
Improvements completed this fall at the Haber Road-University Boulevard interchange -- the site of a one-lane railroad underpass -- modernized the intersection and significantly improved the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using it.
In addition to adding ADA-compliant sidewalks north and south of the underpass, the project replaced the traffic signals and controller and added a pedestrian-only phase (activated when someone pushes or waves at the button) that holds vehicle traffic in all four directions, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to pass safely through the tunnel. The project also added a countdown indicator for pedestrians, left turn flashing arrows, flashing digital reminder for prohibited right turns on red and the more sensitive radar-based vehicle and bicycle detection -- replacement technology for in-pavement sensors.
Traffic signal projects on campus are funded from the state's institutional roads program administered by the Department of Transportation. Funds come from the state's road use tax and are allocated through the state Board of Regents.
