Pedestrian bridge’s fate in hands of UNT survey
Jennifer Zhang / Intern
UNT is embarking on a new project to make the pedestrian bridge that connects Fouts Field’s parking lot to Apogee Stadium reflect more of UNT’s spirit.
The new pedestrian bridge additions will be provided by campus funds and is scheduled to be completed by December.
Though the university has not determined a budget yet, UNT has recently emailed all its students, faculty and staff a survey in order to receive feedback and ideas for the bridge.
Student feedback will determine any additions to the bridge. As of now, about 1,200 students, faculty, and staff have answered the survey.
In the final portion of the survey, students and faculty can write in suggestions for ways to embellish the bridge. Melissa McGuire, the assistant vice president for Student Affairs, said there have been a plethora of different suggestions.
“Some ideas shared through the survey, so far, include lighting the bridge green when we have a sports victory, showcasing the names of all of our graduates, featuring some of our students’ artwork and highlighting our musical accomplishments,” she said.
Though all these possible additions may help animate the bridge, Director of Facilities and Construction Helen Bailey said it might be difficult adhering to some of the students’ requests.
“The bridge itself is TxDOT property and is not within UNT’s current purview to make any changes or additions to it physically,” she said. “UNT does own the land on either side of the bridge, where it will connect, and this project will primarily be landscaping and sidewalk connections.”
As far as illuminating the bridge with green lights, Bailey said it would be considered if the majority of the students voice that opinion.
“It also may not be technically feasible to change lighting on the bridge itself to green just on victory days, but we will look into it if that is a consensus of the survey,” Bailey said.
Though the project has its limitations on where it can and cannot build additions, Bailey hinted to some possible changes UNT students could expect.
“The vision is that there will be some benches, plazas, maybe accent lighting and beautification landscaping with a common design theme,” Bailey said.
The survey closes at 5 p.m. on Friday.
This is one alumnus in favor of lighting it green. I would prefer it being done after victories, but if all the time is more doable, then do that.
GREAT Photograph. good enough to print and hang