Roadway changes implemented on Waverly and Comstock avenues three weeks ago have led to some concerns and confusion amongst Syracuse University community members.

The project was implemented based on recommendations from the 2008 University Hill Bike Network Study, and the 2013 Syracuse Bike Plan, according to the Syracuse Department of Public Works.

On Oct. 17, the city of Syracuse began work on Comstock and Waverly avenues near Syracuse University, repainting and reformatting both road and bike lanes. The purpose of the project was to reduce speed and increase pedestrian and cyclist safety in the University Hill area, according to an Oct. 14 city press release. However, members of the SU community have raised potential issues that the new layout presents.

Kevin Quinn, senior vice president for public affairs at SU, said in an email that the university did “provide some feedback to general concepts that were shared with us.” According to the Syracuse Department of Public Works, the city has involved SU in the planning of the changes since 2011.

Changes to Waverly and Comstock avenues included reducing both streets to two driving lanes. Both previously had four lanes. Curbside parking was added along Waverly Avenue, while a “floating parking lane” was added on Comstock. A two-way bike lane was also added on both streets.

When the changes were first implemented, the SU Department of Public Safety noticed that there was confusion about the new street design. Hannah Warren, the public information officer for DPS, said it took time for people to adjust to the new layout. But there have been no direct injuries or accidents reported as a result of the changes, she said.

Warren added that there are concerns about possible traffic issues that could arise when the streets need to be plowed since the lanes are narrower as a result of the changes. In addition, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction causes problems when, for example, a fire truck needs to pull over on Comstock or Waverly, she said. Because there is no second lane, it becomes difficult for traffic to get around the fire trucks.

In a statement, the Syracuse Department of Public Works said it has heard from citizens who have supported the project, as well as residents who have concerns.

Students have taken notice of the changes, and many said they were confused about the changes at first. Several students said they were confused when they first saw cars parked on Comstock Avenue, since the parking lane is not along the curb.

Mike Sutton, an undeclared freshman in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, said he doesn’t understand the changes given all the snow the city gets in the winter. He said he thinks the new layout will make plowing the roads difficult, and added that he doesn’t think many people will be using the bike lanes in the snow.

“I’m not sure many people like it other than people who park here,” Sutton said.

Published on November 12, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27