The new crosswalks represent the final step of the crosswalk project that began three years ago when the College built an elevated crosswalk across Route 9 on Seelye Street between Clark House and Valentine Hall. Last year the College completed step two in the process, the construction of four crosswalks on Route 9 with LED lights.
Plans for the crosswalks on Route 116 were finalized once the College was able to gauge the success of those on Route 9. The four new crosswalks will closely resemble those already on Route 9. The new crosswalks will also be quipped with LED lights. However, some slight modifications in road design will be made in order to slow the flow of traffic. Route 116, which is currently 40 feet wide in front of College buildings, will be narrowed from the north end in front of College Hall all the way to the road's southern end located at the corner where 116 meets Hitchcock Road.
The new crosswalks will be placed in four strategic locations. The first will be at the main entrance to the College. In order to encourage pedestrians to use it, this crosswalk will include a ramp leading directly to the stairs in front of College Hall. The crosswalk currently in place in front of the President's House will be improved to match the quality of the three new crosswalks. A second new crosswalk will be built at the intersection of Walnut Street and Route 116. The third completely new crosswalk will be installed at the intersection of Hitchcock Road.
In addition to the crosswalks, the College plans to put a series of LED signs which will flash "Event in progress" in a series of locations along Route 116 to warn drivers of an increased traffic flow. Also, an eight- or nine-foot greenscape island will be built as an extension of the new crosswalk at the entrance to the College. The College hopes that this new island will better alert drivers turning from Route 9 onto 116 in either direction of heavy pedestrian traffic.
Students are thrilled at the idea of being able to cross Route 116 safely.
"I am excited the College is going forward with its plans because I will be living in Newport next year and I won't have to wait for the traffic light," said Erika Sams '08.
On the other hand, some students question how necessary additional crosswalks are. "I'm not sure they'll matter that much," said Jordan Brower '07. "Drivers are already pretty courteous. They might be helpful at night, but I'm not sure how many people will cross at night."