A new bridge over Big
Chico Creek was opened Oct. 10 that will allow emergency vehicles and
pedestrian access to both sides of campus.
In July 2016, the
University posted a letter informing students the construction was
underway to replace the bridge near the Physical Science building to
accommodate access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians.
“The bridge will not be usable
until all work is complete. It is estimated this will be by the beginning of
October 2016,” stated the Planning, Design and Construction Committee.
The new bridge is larger
than the old one by about 20 feet. It's cost is estimated at $2 million and was built
to withstand 72,000 pounds to allow emergency vehicles quicker access to and from campus.
“The
existing Physical Science Bridge will be replaced with a new 20-foot-wide
vehicular bridge that will facilitate emergency vehicle and pedestrian access
between the CSU Chico campus and Arcadian Avenue,” stated the Planning, Design
and Construction committee.
The campus celebrated by
having University Police vehicles, Chico Fire truck and ambulance ceremonially
drive across with lights flashing and the occasional horn or siren.
During the time the
bridge was being constructed, emergency vehicles had limited access to the campus.
They had to use alternative routes entering from the North side of Kendall and Colussa Halls.
Sergeant David Bird of the CSU Chico University police talks about how the new bridge makes his job easier.
Sergeant David Bird of the CSU Chico University police talks about how the new bridge makes his job easier.
“It was tough. Now we
can walk across the bridge. I guess if we need to drive police cars across we
would but for so far we don’t. I couldn’t tell you the time difference while it
was being constructed, but it’s definitely much better access in emergency
situations,” said Bird.
The construction became
an issue for students aiming to arrive on time to class.
“It was difficult. While
the bridge was being constructed, I was always three minutes late. Now that
it’s open I usually arrive a bit early,” said CSU Chico student Ayleen Chiang.
Student’s had to find
another route to get to their classes near the Physical Science Building. Some students even benefit because they no longer
have to go through other buildings or walk a completely different routes to
arrive to class.
“The area where the
bridge was being constructed was completely gated and I would have to walk
around and then through Holt Hall just to arrive to my class in Modoc Hall. Now
I just cross the bridge,” said Chico State student Chanel Gibson.
After several months,
students and emergency employees are happy with the access.
“I use the bridge every day. It’s such a convenience now that it’s open,” said CSU Chico transfer student Kelsi Sibert.