Andy Holt Avenue at Phillip Fulmer Way is one of the busiest intersec
tions on campus, and the University of Tennessee Police Department (UTPD) is encouraging members of the campus community to use the pedestrian bridges at the University Center (UC) as an alternative to using the crosswalks to ease its congestion.
Two bridges connect the UC to The Hill while two other paths take pedestrians alongside the Haslam Business Building toward the intersection of Andy Holt Avenue and Volunteer Boulevard. These walkways are accessed at the second level of the UC, off the plaza.
“Using these pedestrian bridges is safer than attempting to traverse the crowded streets,” Lt. Emily Simerly said. “Phillip Fulmer Way is a popular entrance to campus and the only way to access the public parking garage at the UC. Combine the large number of vehicles traveling in the area with several hundred pedestrians on foot, and you could have an extremely congested intersection. The pedestrian bridges are the best way to avoid this area,” she said, adding that using the bridges may even get pedestrians to their destinations quicker.
Additionally, UTPD provides the following safety tips for pedestrians traveling on campus:
- Walk defensively and be prepared for the unexpected. Don’t let cars surprise you even if a motorist does something wrong like running a stop sign or red light or making a sudden turn.
- Cross streets at intersections or designated crosswalks.
- Never cross between parked cars.
- Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk.”
- Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop. Make eye contact with the driver to make sure they see you.
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
- Don’t talk on a cell phone or wear earphones when crossing the street.
- Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck. Take a cab, bus or use a designated driver to get home safely.
Check out these additional personal safety tips.
For a map of the intersection at Andy Holt Avenue and Phillip Fulmer Way, visit http://www.utk.edu/maps/.