As many of you are aware, the University closed the Nevada Street pedestrian bridge Nov. 19 due to issues regarding its structural integrity. This bridge crosses Stadium Way between Waller Hall and the Stephenson Complex. An engineering report shows the bridge is “currently not dangerous,” but adds there are “structural issues growing rapidly with continued use.” Because the safety of our students, faculty, staff and the general public is paramount, we made the decision to close the bridge.

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to plan alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion in the vicinity of the bridge. We recommend drivers enter campus via Airport Road and Grimes Way, as shown here: http://www.cpd.wsu.edu/CapitalProjects/Detours/Details.aspx?Value=28. Alternative routes for pedestrians to cross Stadium Way are shown here: http://www.cpd.wsu.edu/CapitalProjects/Detours/Details.aspx?Value=25.

During the December closure, the University will remove the existing bridge to eliminate any potential safety risks and improve the visibility of pedestrians using the Nevada Street crosswalk. At the same time, the speed limit on Stadium Way from the main campus entrance on Highway 270 to Beasley Coliseum will be reduced from the current 25 mph to 20 mph. This is a permanent change to improve pedestrian safety for our students, employees and visitors as they cross Stadium Way, which is a major thoroughfare running through the heart of our campus.

Design work to replace the bridge is underway. More information on the bridge replacement and alternate routes can be found at http://www.cpd.wsu.edu/. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as these changes occur.