I’ve got an update from Whitworth on a meeting tonight on campus. Greg Orwig, Communications Director at Whitworth, says the meeting tonight is not specifically to discuss the possiblity of vacating Whitworth Drive on the Whitworth campus.
The college has hired a master planning firm to help guide campus development for the next 10-20 years at Whitworth. Members from the firm will lead the meeting tonight to gain community input for the campus plan – particularly as it relates to the surrounding neighbors including the possibility of closing Whitworth Drive.
The decision about closure will be informed by the master plan and is not imminent. Ultimately, it’s a county commission decision so there will be ample opportunity for public input. More community meetings will be held before making a decision so there would be opportunity for direct input to Whitworth. Also, if Whitworth Drive was closed, chances are good a throughway would be maintained for bikes and pedestrians.
Some bicylists I heard from were concerned they would only be left with the shoulder of Highway 395 to ride on between Regina and Hawthone Drive. The vacation is being considered because of safety concerns about people trying to cross Whitworth Drive.
So if you’re still interested, the meeting is tonight (April 21) at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall (closest access is from the Field House parking lot).
Q: What does it mean to vacate a road?
A: Road vacation is the legal process of undoing a road creation. The vacated road ceases to be a public road where the public has the right to travel.
Bad idea. Having taken the Waikiki-Mill Road-Hastings route, Hwy 395, and Hwy 2, I must say the Whitworth Drive-Hwy 395 is my choice for going north to Wandermere. You spend very little time on Hwy 395 and avoid the cramped lanes–especially at the interestion of Five Mile Road–of Waikiki. Hwy 2 is fine since it has plenty of shoulder–as long as you’re going in that direction. Otherwise you’re taking the long route.
How can you not cross safely at a lighted, signaled and painted crosswalk? Sounds more like a safety issue related to lack of enforcement as opposed to an inherently unsafe traffic environment.
Hank- I haven’t been in that area during the daytime in a while so couldn’t confirm that’s what the problem is, but in more cases than not, the ability to cross safely IS related to a lack of enforcement. We deal with a lot of local agencies on crossing issues, and usually come to the conclusion that enforcement is the key. Unfortunately, police officers are already in short supply and while they do occasional sting operations, it’s hard for them to be able to spend enough time targetting a particular area to break drivers’ bad habits.
I think doughnuts may be the answer…
— Jeff