Columns:: Safety improvements begin on Baldwin Street, Sanford Drive

since 12/15/98

Columns::May 20, 2002

Expanding horizons
Institute’s first Spring Symposium will deal with cancer, research
NASULGC examines challenges of ag education, research
Three changes to retirement system become law on July 1
University Council adopts calendar for 2003-04 school year
Symposium will consider globalization in the South
First Business Staff Awards presented to Barbre McLeroy, Elizabeth Pape
Staff Award for Excellence at the College of Education goes to Stephanie Bales
Bike-to-Work Day
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Campus News

Closed since May 13, Baldwin Street will open in mid-June but will close again for three weeks starting July 15 for a complete resurfacing. (Photo by Peter Frey)

Safety improvements begin on Baldwin Street, Sanford Drive

By Larry B. Dendy
ldendy@uga.edu

Most of Baldwin Street and a portion of Sanford Drive closed to vehicle traffic May 13 for work that will significantly improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
The section of Baldwin between Jackson and Lumpkin streets will be closed for four weeks while sidewalks are moved back from the street, a raised pedestrian crossing is installed at the intersection of Baldwin and Sanford, and a “gathering space” is created for pedestrians waiting to cross Baldwin.
The street will open in mid-June, but will close again for three weeks starting July 15 for a complete resurfacing.
The portion of Sanford Drive between Baldwin and Hooper streets closed to vehicles May 13 and will remain closed until fall semester classes begin Aug. 19.
The first Baldwin Street closing is to complete the safety upgrade project that began this past spring. The street is the primary east-west connector on the north side of campus. Though owned by Athens-Clarke County, Baldwin is most heavily used by UGA students and motorists, and it has one of the highest accident rates on campus.
When complete, the work will prevent pedestrians from randomly crossing Baldwin and channel them to a central crossing point at the intersection of Baldwin and Sanford, says Scott Beveridge of UGA’s physical plant grounds department, which is overseeing the work.
Retaining walls on the north side of Baldwin will be removed and sidewalks will be pulled back from the street. Plants will be installed between the sidewalk and street to discourage people from crossing in mid-block.
In the area where steps descend from Park Hall to the street, a large space will be carved out of the embankment where pedestrians will wait for the traffic signal to cross. The entire Baldwin-Sanford intersection will be raised about six inches above the street surface and topped with brick pavers, forcing vehicles to slow down and giving drivers a better view of pedestrians. New curbs and gutters will also be installed along Baldwin.
Beginning July 15, Baldwin will again close for three weeks while Athens-Clarke County crews grind away existing asphalt and install a new asphalt surface. Baldwin’s southside sidewalk will remain open during the construction. Also, the pedestrian crosswalks at the Baldwin-Jackson intersection, and at the UGA bus stop across from Fine Arts, will be open.

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