University Tries to Promote Student Safety with Major Sidewalks Closed

By Charles Brereton

John Ralls, who is the special advisor for communications and outreach at GW’s Division of Operations, recently sat down with WRGW to discuss the university’s “Look Up” campaign as well as precarious sidewalk closures on H and I Streets.

According to Ralls, the Student Association approached the Division of Operations several years ago with the idea of a pedestrian safety campaign on campus.

“We wanted to run a program that was different and eye-catching, something that would catch the attention of students,” Ralls said. He added that at the time, “texting began to surge in popularity.”

On campus sidewalks, students have probably noticed stickers with the saying, “Walk Now, Text Later.” In September, the SA and Ralls’ office oversaw the installation of these bright red and yellow stickers at the crosswalks of several busy campus intersections.

The goal is for distracted students to see the sign and stop before accidentally walking into moving traffic.

The Division of Operations is funding the campaign, and the stickers, depending on their location relative to foot traffic patterns and weather, do need to be replaced over time. While there are no definite plans for the future of the campaign, Ralls said that discussions are forthcoming.

At the heart of campus, H Street is almost always packed with pedestrians. Currently, construction of the university’s “Super Dorm” has shut down a significant portion of the sidewalk located across from Kogan Plaza.

Despite the risks posed with incredibly poor visibility, a slew of large construction vehicles, and continued traffic coming from both ways, the street has remained open and students often resort to jaywalking.

“Sidewalk closures occur with most construction projects around the perimeter of the site, typically with the purpose of maintaining safety and security,” Ralls said.

Despite requests from the Division of Operations to prohibit traffic on H Street during construction, the District of Columbia refused the measure. A covered sidewalk is being built and should open by early December.

Due to the size of towers that support the West End facade, the I Street sidewalk will remain closed for the duration of the construction project. Ralls notes that the Division of Operations is very much aware of student safety.

Ralls said that his office “frequently assesses signage and ensures that traffic and students are being directed by construction workers.”