"The
access improvements project that we're working on at Crafton Hills College goes
beyond the 'code minimum' in several ways that will be very noticeable.
In addition to providing universal access for persons with disabilities, the
project includes new campus wide lighting and signage systems to ensure that
navigating the campus is safe and intuitive for everyone.
Campus
drive will include new roadway lighting along its entire length. Parallel
parking will be removed and relocated into a new parking structure, eliminating
the need for pedestrians to walk along the roadway. Traffic congestion
will be minimized through the addition of dedicated turning lanes and wider
parking lot driveways. A series of roadway signs will inform
drivers which major buildings are served by each parking lot.
All
parking lots will be resurfaced to eliminate potentially hazardous conditions
for both vehicles and pedestrians. Accessible parking spaces for the
campus will be 'clustered' in those lots closest to campus destinations,
eliminating long travel distances and steep elevation changes. Within
each of these lots, the overall parking layout will be reconfigured to provide
accessible spaces and visitor spaces with direct sidewalk access. New
light fixtures are located to provide even illumination throughout the parking
area. To avoid future root damage to paving, deep root tree species
will replace existing dying parking lot trees. Each lot will receive a
self-serve parking pass vending machine, eliminating the need for daily
visitors to drive to the center of campus before parking their car.
Directory
signs at each lot will provide information to pedestrians entering the campus
from each parking lot. The pedestrian path of travel from accessible
parking lots to building entries will be improved to eliminate barriers.
This includes reconfiguring, removing and replacing many existing sidewalks,
ramps, stairs and handrails. Additionally, The pedestrian walkway system will
receive new pole mounted light fixtures designed to provide an even level of
illumination. The elimination of hot-spots and dark spots is an important
factor in creating a safe pedestrian environment.
This
project includes the lion's share of accessible routes indicated in the campus
master plan. A final phase, concurrent with future expansion of the P.E.
Building will provide a direct pathway from the central campus drop-off to the
Community Recreation Facility at the top of the hill. Integration of the
future building's exterior elevators into the site accessible path of travel
will provide the most efficient and direct means of negotiating the steep
elevation change between the two areas.
We have
worked closely with DSA during the design of the project and they are currently
reviewing the final construction documents. When fully realized, the plan will
be a model for accessibility among campuses with similar topographic
challenges. Please let me know if you have further questions. "
