PC section of Huxley Ave closed to traffic
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
The campus around Providence College will soon look a lot different. Huxley Ave. permanently closed to traffic Wednesday to make way for a more student friendly walkway. The project seeks to address safety concerns.
“The thought of having one solid unified campus that’s safe for everyone– students, faculty and staff– without having to worry about vehicular traffic is a big deal,” said Steve Muarano, associate vice president of public affairs and community relations.
According to the school as many as 10 people have been hit while crossing Huxley Ave. over the last 12 years. PC is hoping to eliminate future accidents, by turning the college owned stretch of roadway, from Eaton St. to Ventura St. into a walkway. Friars telling ABC6 they are feeling a bit nostalgic as they watch the transformation.
“To be able to see what’s happening right now and that Huxley isn’t going to be the same, it’s going to be really weird to see the final outcome,” said Grace Twardy, who graduated over the weekend.
“So I think the campus is going to look great with it changed but it’s just not the same as what we’re used to,” said new alum Julia Guerette.
While members of the PC community may be excited about the changes, people living in the middle of the construction, aren’t thrilled with the street closure.
“You know when you have this kind of money and power they do what they want. You complain and everything else, but basically you better move,” said life-long Huxley St. resident Steve Emma.
PC says it’s working with all neighbors to help them adjust, but that the changes are necessary, not only for appearances, but for functionality.
“The addition of a traffic circle and being able to funnel traffic off in two directions to both sides of the campus will certainly improve ease and accessibility for most of the people who come to PC,” said Muarano.
PC is on a tight deadline to complete the massive project. School officials hope to have a big portion of it done by the time student’s return to campus in late August.
© WLNE-TV 2016
