Bridge repairs still an issue

Continuing foundation shifts have caused the sidewalk on Roosevelt Steptoe Boulevard to collapse, leaving a gaping hole in its wake. Barriers have been placed around the hole and the vehicle traffic entrances to the street as well, permitting only pedestrian traffic on one side of the street.
Students and staff alike have been inconvenienced, forced to drive through the entire campus to exit, or even make it to the only functioning on campus cafeteria.
Courtney Johnson, a junior Apparel Merchandising and Textiles Major feels as though the lack of work being done on this situation is counterproductive with the university’s ongoing campus beautification initiative.
“It looks bad on our campus,” said Johnson. “If we’re going to fix problems on our campus, we should fix that too.” Johnson finished.
The road was partially barricaded beginning the spring semester of 2014, preventing vehicles from exiting the campus from Roosevelt Steptoe Blvd. However, as the foundation shifts continued, the entire bridge was barricaded, discontinuing all vehicular traffic. The foundation shifts are caused by corroded pipes under the bridge that aren’t containing water. The water then seeps into the foundation, weakening and causing loose debris.
The majority of student concern goes toward why the situation wasn’t handled when it was first brought to attention.
“It could have been prevented.” said Jordan Dukes, a junior Electrical Engineering major.
“That situation should have been prevented,” agreed Tyler Mickens, a sophomore Mass Communications major. “These are people’s lives. None of this would have to be happening if it was fixed sooner.” finished Mickens.
Director of Planning and Facilities Endas Vincent could not be reached for comment regarding this situation.