Employees assigned to the parking garage along Emile Street soon will see new signs and markings intended to boost the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
“There have been 24 recorded accidents in the parking garage since it opened in 2003, including one pedestrian-vehicle accident,” said Tina Spencer, manager of Parking Services. “The planned improvements to Lot 50 will help reduce the potential for accidents and increase safety for pedestrians.”
Parking Services is initiating the following safety measures this fall:
- Adding speed limit signs of 7 mph just inside the parking garage near the entrances.
- Adding “Turn Lights On” signs near the entrances. Driving with lights on in garages improves recognition of approaching vehicles.
- Installing “Look Both Ways” signs at the down ramps near the entrance points to encourage drivers who are proceeding to the exit to watch for cross traffic.
- Increasing the number of “compact car” spots at the “shortcuts” to increase sight distance for drivers in these high conflict areas.
- Placing pavement markings showing the maximum length of a compact car to help motorists recognize what size car is considered compact.
- Installing two bollards or posts in the island at the east exit to reduce the likelihood of left-turns from the right-turn only lane.
Parking Services is urging all motorists to reduce their vehicular speed for improved safety in and around Lot 50. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact Parking Services at 559-5842 or e-mail unmc parking@unmc.edu.