Ohio University is scheduled to open Bobcat Lane this December, connecting Baker University Center directly to Richland Avenue, for a six-month trial run to gauge how the lane might be used.
The lane will feature a new drop off/pick up site for public transit vehicles as well as more effective access for emergency response services and campus visitors, a university press release said. Efforts to construct the project have been a collaboration of the city of Athens and university officials through a 2012 memorandum of understanding agreement.
Joseph Lalley, the senior associate vice president for Information Technologies and Administrative Services, said the lane is currently in the de- sign phase, adding that construction is scheduled to begin in October and be completed in December, 2014.
“This is a tentative schedule,” Lalley said.
Lalley said Bobcat Lane will be a “right turn-in and right turn-out only.” Cars and public transit traveling north on Richland Avenue will be able to turn right and enter Bobcat Lane, while vehicles exiting the lane will be able to turn right onto Richland Avenue and head northbound. Commercial trucks, including delivery vehicles, will be prohibited from accessing the thoroughfare, the release said.
“The city of Athens and Ohio University are working together to create a bicycle, pedestrian and public transit friendly environment,” Lalley said. “We hope this project will advance this goal.”
City of Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl and Ohio University Presi- dent Roderick J. McDavis had announced plans in July for a temporary opening of Bobcat Lane — enabling the six-month trial period in which campus and city officials could monitor the effects of Bobcat Lane on local traffic patterns as well as public safety.
Both parties are developing criteria to evaluate how well the new entrance could meet intended benefits, Lalley said.
Lt. Tim Ryan, the head of criminal investigations at the Ohio University Police Department, said the department has not been directly involved in specific discussions leading to the opening of Bobcat Lane. However, he has high hopes for the opening.
“We are optimistic that it will ease traffic in that area of campus.”
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