Moving around on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus will soon get a little easier. On Tuesday, Governor Beshear presented a check for just over $369,000 to the university to build a new six-foot-wide sidewalk and add additional lighting on campus.
The money comes from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Transportation Alternatives Program. EKU President David McFaddin said the project will benefit more than just those on campus.
“There’s Madison Middle School there, lots of bus traffic, regular car traffic, pedestrian traffic all coming together in one place, its also little bit hard to traverse in the wintertime. This will make a much safer pathway for those residents, for those students to get to campus and for those on campus to get to downtown,” explained McFaddin.
McFaddin said the project is a joint effort between the city of Richmond and the university.
Governor Beshear said this will provide people another way to move around without using their cars.
“Overall, this is one that’s going to move the community forward. We’re excited for it, and we’re looking forward to seeing people be healthy, out walking to and from class, or to events and not always getting in our car to head that direction,” the governor said.
The new sidewalk will provide a 6-foot-wide concrete path that will offer ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act at street crossings and striped crosswalks. The funding will also support more street lighting to improve safety for people walking early in the morning or late at night. Construction is expected to begin during the upcoming fall semester.