Sharp Avenue Construction and Safe Move to College Tips

With the summer months upon us so is road construction. The City of Spokane began work on Sharp between Ruby and Hamilton that limits access onto the Gonzaga Campus. There are limited access points to campus via Sinto that is one block north of Sharp. Sinto has become a bypass road to, from and around campus causing heavier than normal traffic. All drivers must follow Washington States Right of Way laws, as the intersections along Sinto are not controlled with stop signs. The 1-mile stretch of Sinto is not an audition area for Street Outlaws Spokane, so please drive safely and remember the speed limit is 25mph.  If you use an access point to cross onto campus, please exercise caution on the loose gravel and narrow roadway. Some areas allow only one vehicle to pass at a time. In addition, pedestrians use the area as do large construction equipment to get into the dugout ditches to work. Check both ways to ensure it is safe for you to cross.

The right of way laws are very simple. When followed correctly everyone will arrive at his or her destination. If there is no stop sign at an intersection, you must yield to drivers that are already in the intersection, and to traffic approaching from the right. Even in the absence of signals or signs, there are rules, and failure to observe them can result in the possibility of an accident. Since your chances of a collision increase in an intersection, it is important to proceed with caution. As the street construction progresses and we get closer to move in day, there will be more information regarding access to campus and any other traffic challenges that may arise.

There are a few things you and your student can do and think about now to prepare for move in in August.  Document serial numbers from laptops and bikes you plan to bring to campus. Store them in a safe place. Dollies and hand trucks help when items are too heavy to hand carry and eases the wear and tear on your back. Familiarize yourself with Campus Security and Public Safety, the location of the office and the services they provide. They can be an invaluable resource to you and your student. Understand the campus, neighborhood and city’s crime. Because Gonzaga is in an urban area, we do have our share of incidents. Check out the Safetrek app. Talk with your student about personal safety away from home and signing up for self-defense classes sponsored by Campus Security and Public Safety. We are available on campus 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and to help make your experience at Gonzaga University a positive and memorable one.