New Entrance at College Road and University Avenue

Construction of the new entrance to UAF at the intersection of College Road and University Avenue (as recommended by the 1991 UAF Master Plan) is scheduled to begin in the spring of '99, with completion expected in the fall of '99 (as per statements by Facilities Services). However, it is the MPC's understanding that the contract provides for a construction period of up to two years. The contract was awarded to H&H Construction before the new Master Planning Committee was formed, so we are unaware of how the '91 Master Plan influenced decisions during the design phase. What is certain is that the existing design for the revised intersection at Taku and University Avenue and the new intersection at College Road and University Avenue will be built. Informative conversations with Steve Titus of Facilities Services about the designs and certain flexibility in the construction program and the MPC's interpretation of the spirit of the '91 Master Plan have led the MPC to formulate four recommendations related to this overall effort.

Recommendation
Certain flexibility exists within the construction program for the College Road entrance to UAF that will allow for the construction of earthen berms along the new entrance to aid in visual isolation of the physical plant areas as one enters the campus. This would focus more attention on the entrance and the approach to the academic areas. Facilities Services should be directed to prepare designs for these berms and for construction to take place as part of work on the intersection. Their designs should include delineation of what is attainable within the present DOT project and long-term plans for additional landscaping. The administration should identify funds to complete the landscaping if it can't be completed as part of the contractor's work.
[MPC recommendation "College 1/15/99/1"]

Recommendation
The MPC strongly supports, as part of the College Road entrance construction program, making provisions for the addition of a pull-out area along the north side of the entrance. A concept sketch is attached. This area would include a information center (in the future) and a large map of the campus. The UAF Alumni Association has expressed interest in partially funding this pull-out area and a lighted sign. The sign would include the UAF logo, time and temperature (to recover the community service once provided by the Key Bank), and possibly timely campus information (e.g., registration dates, athletic events). Design of the sign (concept sketch attached) could act as a prototype for all campus entrances. The area could also include provisions to support the campus and city bus systems, including a shelter and community service officer. The approach to the staircase would be improved. The breadth of this project could be enhanced by community involvement. The MPC is investigating the issue of the "arch" previously designed for this entrance. Facilities Services should be directed to prepare designs for the proposed pull-out area and sign and the inclusion of as much work as possible within limits of the existing construction contract, with the intended purpose of decreasing future expenses as the area is fully developed.
[MPC recommendation "College 1/15/99/2"]

Recommendation
The '91 Master Plan identifies a pedestrian-friendly campus as a central theme of long-term planning. While the '91 plan does not provide specifics regarding many pedestrian-friendly issues, such as sidewalk width, the MPC feels that the current design and construction plan for the College Road entrance does not adequately meet the spirit of the plan. Although it is our understanding that the construction bid for the College Road entrance to UAF has already been awarded, we believe that the design should be revisited. Our specific concerns are as follows:

1. The present design does not appear to have been approached with any concern for pedestrian or bicyclist needs. We are not aware of any alterations to the design in the off-campus areas that will address this either. The crossings at College Road and University Avenue are extremely dangerous, and the opening of East Tanana Drive will compound the dangers. The current system of pedestrian lights is hazardous and confusing. The MPC believes that the best way to address this situation is with the construction of a pedestrian and bike tunnel under University Avenue. A tunnel would have the added benefit of providing access for handicapped individuals.

2. Although the MPC applauds the inclusion of a buffer between the road and the sidewalk along East Tanana Drive as a positive step, we believe further steps are required. The MPC wishes to recommend a design revision that would incorporate minimum sidewalk widths of 7-8' while maintaining the buffer space. Of additional concern is that fact that any pedestrian walkway along East Tanana Drive must be effectively integrated into whatever traffic handling system is designed for the junction of S. Chandalar/Tanana Loop/East Tanana Drive.

3. There are no provisions for bicycle paths or lanes in the College Road entrance design. The MPC recommends a design revision to incorporate either a bike lane or path, which ever best fits the overall design. As with the pedestrian walkway, the bike route must be integrated into the traffic flow pattern at the junction of S. Chandalar/East Tanana Drive/Tanana Loop.

4. If a design revision is not possible to accommodate the recommendation concerning bicycle and pedestrian traffic, then the MPC strongly recommends that the present bike path at the base of the hill between Taku Drive and East Tanana Drive (and connects with the North Loop Road) should be upgraded and a pedestrian path added. The trail should be well marked and lighted. At the junction with Taku Drive, a design plan will be needed to determine the best route for access to campus. The availability of a well designed, maintained bike and pedestrian path would accomplish several things:

• Both pedestrians and cyclists would be provided with a safe alternative to traveling on East Tanana Loop, which will become a heavily traveled main arterial road on to campus.
• Although there is a staircase that goes from East Tanana Drive up to Tanana Loop, it is a challenge for less physically fit persons. In the absence of another route, pedestrians will inevitably choose the easier route along East Tanana Drive. Unless the sidewalk issue is addressed, along with integration into the traffic flow pattern at the top of the hill, the MPC believes that this route will not be safe due to the anticipated volume of traffic.
• If the '91 Master Plan is followed, Taku Drive will no longer be a main artery to and from campus (only to parking lots and one building), therefore, the feasibility of routing pedestrian and bike traffic along it would be would be greatly increased.
• Upgrading this trail will make a very clear statement about UAF's commitment to making the campus pedestrian friendly. [MPC recommendation "College 1/15/99/3"]

Recommendation
UAF main campus lands extend north and west from the intersection at Geist Road and University Avenue. The MPC is interested in further developing UAF's presence all along each of these boundaries. Relevant for the present project is the area extending west along University Avenue from the Alaska Railroad property past the Taku entrance. Facilities Services should be directed to prepare designs for the repair and enhancement of earthen berms along University Avenue south of the College Road entrance, and for the general repair and/or landscaping north of this intersection. The intent is to enhance the general aesthetic appearance of UAF's entire entrance area along its eastern boundary. Improvements as per these designs should be undertaken where possible as part of construction at the two intersections on University Avenue.
[MPC recommendation "College 1/15/99/4"]

Recommendation
Facilities Services should be instructed to investigate how federal ISTEA funds can be gained for construction of bike paths, pull-out areas, and sidewalk as part of construction for which such funds are applicable. The administration should make certain that such funds are sought. [MPC recommendation "College 1/15/99/5"]

Attachments:

1. Concept sketch by Facilities Services of an entrance area at College Road and University Avenue as stimulated by the UAF Alumni Association.
2. Concept sketch by Facilities Services of a time and temperature sign for the entrance area at College Road and University Avenue as stimulated by the UAF Alumni Association.
3. Summary background information on ISTEA as provided by MPC member Mike Supkis.

Recommendations directory

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tanana Valley Campus
PO Box 8040-UAF

Phone: +1 907 474 7920
Fax:    +1 907 474 6725
fndlm5@uaf.edu