Because of inadequate ramp access and uneven sidewalks, wheelchair users face difficulties navigating around CEBA Lane.
Users often have to cross parking lots to reach South Stadium Drive because of poor connectivity and sidewalks damaged by tree roots, said Master Planning and Site Development assistant director Dennis Mitchell. In addition, the bus stop located alongside the Copy and Mail Center frequently floods because it is level with the road and lacks drainage and shelter from rainfall.
“This is an area where we have a problem, and we’re going to fix it.” Mitchell said.
Demolition of parking sections and damaged sidewalks will commence this week for the CEBA Lane Pedestrian Corridor Enhancement project. The project will soon implement widened sidewalks, an improved bus stop and easier wheelchair access to improve pedestrian safety and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
People with disabilities were often isolated from society prior to legislation like the ADA requiring better accommodations, with many institutionalized or restricted to their homes due to a lack of rights recognition and accessible infrastructure, said Lois Simpson, executive director of the Advocacy Center of Louisiana, an organization that promotes the rights of the disabled and senior citizens.
“You only have to have someone with a mobility disability as a friend, and you will see very, very clearly the problems they face every single day in getting from point A to point B,” she said.
While improvements have been made, Baton Rouge continues to have issues with meeting the needs of disabled citizens, Simpson said. For example, measures aimed at increasing security around the Capitol building created hazards and barriers that reversed some previous efforts to improve wheelchair accessibility.
New wheelchair ramps will be added along the corridor at CEBA Lane to make
movement easier for the disabled as part of the project. The $49,000 price tag is being funded by the
Facility Access Fee and the
construction is being carried out by J & W Contractors, Mitchell said.
Improvements will level out and elevate the bus stop above the road, improve drainage, install new signage and expand sidewalks to prevent people from walking in the road.
“The main goal is to keep campus users out of the street and onto the appropriate path,” Mitchell said.
The roads will also be reconfigured to allow for more room between vehicles and ensure safe passing.
The CEBA Lane Pedestrian Corridor Enhancement project is estimated to reach completion within four weeks if not delayed by inclement weather, according to LSU Parking and Transportation Services. No road closures are anticipated, though parking and pedestrian routes in the area may be subject to change.