A joint effort between the Associated Students of Oregon State University and the Project Delivery team led to significant roadway improvements on SW Jefferson Way and SW 30th St. this summer. The projects address multiple student concerns including pedestrian safety, speed enforcement, accessibility and a smoother ride for drivers and busses.
The first area of concern for ASOSU was the stretch of SW Jefferson Way between SW 26th and SW 30th Streets. The narrow, high-profile speed bumps in the area were generating complaints due to their tendency to bounce and jostle vehicles passing through.
Katya Karlapati, chair of ASOSU’s Campus Improvements Committee, said that the problem was particularly acute for Beaver Bus riders who found the bumpy ride down Jefferson Way uncomfortable, especially for riders who use wheelchairs.
“A smoother ride ensures that individuals with mobility devices can travel safely and comfortably without the added jarring from poorly designed speed bumps,” Karlapati said.
Project Delivery staff responded by coordinating a project to install lower profile speed bumps (sometimes referred to as “humps”, due to their less extreme angle). This reduces uncomfortable jostling for cars and busses, while still acting as a speed deterrent. The new speed bumps are positioned to allow bicyclists and scooters traveling in bike lanes to ride through unobstructed.
Another traffic calming project undertaken by Project Delivery in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety over the summer added similar speed bumps to SW Jefferson Way between SW 30th and SW 35th Streets. DPS expects the change will reduce the need for speed enforcement in the area.
In addition to the speed bump project, Project Delivery responded to a second concern raised by ASOSU regarding pedestrian safety on SW 30th St. The dense grove of historic trees that divides the north and southbound lanes creates perpetual shade, making it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. ASOSU reported multiple instances of near-miss accidents due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic and mid-block crossings.
“With cars speeding by and poor lighting, it became clear that improving the pedestrian crossing was essential for the safety of students, especially those living nearby in dorms like West and Sackett,” Karlapati said.
Project Delivery implemented solutions to enhance the existing crosswalk striping and signage on SW 30th St. which will increase visibility for drivers and safety for pedestrians before the start of fall term. Aaron Amoth, project manager with Project Delivery, oversaw both of the ASOSU-led projects. Amoth said that future planned improvements on SW 30th St. may include new street lighting, which will further enhance pedestrian safety.
Karlapati said that including student perspective in campus infrastructure improvement is essential because as daily users of campus facilities, students experience those spaces in ways that other stakeholders may not and add valuable insights into safety, accessibility and sustainability issues that may be overlooked.
“By being involved in decision-making, they ensure that the campus infrastructure is inclusive and adaptable to the evolving demands of the student body,” Karlapati said. “Their involvement ensures that campus development remains aligned with the daily realities and well-being of the student community.”
