The summer has brought construction to campus in an effort to make the University more pedestrian-friendly and accessible.

The projects, undertaken by Security and Parking Services, include widening sidewalks, repairing roads and parking lots and improving wheelchair and pedestrian crosswalks and pathways. They are scheduled for completion by September.

One task involves revamping the area in front of the David Braley Athletic Centre, as well as the crosswalk on the road that separates the building from the nearby parking lot. The work will improve pedestrian safety and make the area more functional for wheelchair users.

“That project is important because it is a traffic-heavy zone, so we're introducing traffic-controlling devices and rebuilding the sidewalks so people in wheelchairs and people who use walkers can cross the street easier,” said Terry Sullivan, director of Security and Parking Services. “Our aim is to improve safety and make the campus more accessible.”

Accessibility is also the focus of the sidewalk-widening along University Avenue, one of the most pedestrian-trafficked roads on campus because it connects the Main Street West entrance and the Health Sciences Centre with the centre of campus.

“It's important for all of McMaster's pathways and sidewalks to be as wheelchair-accommodating as possible,” said Sullivan. “We surveyed areas that present challenges and we have implemented plans to improve upon them.”

Projects that seek to address these challenges include a replacement of the sidewalks between and around the Burke Science Building and the John Hodgins Engineering Building to mitigate the risk of flooding.

“The sidewalks in that area are also being replaced to make them more comfortable for travel,” said Sullivan. “Ultimately, we really want to emphasize that McMaster is a pedestrian-friendly place.”