The mangled and scarred landscape bordering the train tracks on Southern Avenue offers a virtual obstacle course of rugged terrain for students and a problem for some university officials.
But a remedy may be in the mix.
The property, which is owned by the Norfolk railroad, is the focal point of an ongoing struggle between railroad officials and The U of M in implementing a viable solution to improving the condition of the land.
Director of Campus Planning and Design Tony Poteet said the railroad improvement is a sensitive situation.
"Our main concern is the convenience and safety of the students," Poteet said.
From the west end of the Southern parking lot, pedestrians and University patrons must scamper across the busy street, then scale a hill or trudge through rock encrusted trenches to reach the train tracks.
Currently there are only four walkways in 200-foot intervals available to cross the tracks. Otherwise one must wobble over piles of rock bordering the tracks to reach U of M property.
Joey Johnson, a student majoring in biology, said he feels like he needs to wear all-terrain boots just to get to class.
"The landscape looks like something out of a war zone; repairs are definitely overdue," Johnson said.
Many of the previous efforts to repair the dilapidated stretch of property have been subject to some legal wrangling between The University and the railroad. This has halted progress to make the crossing more user-friendly to the many pedestrians crossing it daily.
In addition, inadequate funding is also partly responsible for the impediment of the projects, expected to cost $1.25 million in state-appropriated funding to complete.
In contrast to the failures of the past, the current master plan being proposed by Campus Planning and Design will ultimately transform the marred landscape into a pedestrian and vehicular oasis of convenience.
The plan includes the construction of an elevated walkway extending from the Southern parking lot to deep inside the main campus interior. Another proposed plan to add an additional vehicular crossing across the tracks is being considered to maximize traffic circulation in the area.
Since the railroad owns the property, U of M officials must acquire the consent of the railroad before moving ahead with the proposed plan.
Both propositions are currently being reviewed by The University's legal analyst and the railroad, and will be subject to funding allotment, but are expected to be approved, according to Poteet.
One of the many stipulations the railroad has concerns the additional vehicular crossing being proposed in front of the Life Sciences building. The crossing will adjoin Walker and Southern avenues. If The U of M wants to construct the proposed crossing, it must close the existing crossing at Patterson and Southern Avenues, Poteet said.
While the master plan is considered to be a long term-venture, when completed it will likely alleviate the main source of complaints University patrons have with the crossing.
Indeed, some time in the near future, students may no longer need to wait on a slow rumbling train to get to class, or brave the tangled intersection at Patterson and Southern avenues.
Jim Goings is one of the many students crossing the Southern railway on a daily basis and said he is happy The University is finally going to do something about the railway.
"I think in its current condition, the land reflects negatively on The University," Goings said.
Despite the anticipated long duration of time it will take to complete the proposed projects, University officials plan to apply short-term measures of improvement this spring.
Apparently, there have been a sufficient number of complaints filed to warrant immediate repairs to the landscape, regardless of property ownership.
Plans to fill the trench-like walkways with soil and repair the stairway that leads to a drop-off in one of the trenches is slated to begin as early as April, enhancing the general appearance and efficiency of the property, according to Poteet.
Although the railroad owns the heavily traveled property, The U of M has apparently assumed financial responsibility in making the necessary improvements to the landscape.
Amid possible funding reduction from the state, some faculty and students, including law student Becky Bill, said the railroad should carry the financial burden of making the repairs, allowing The U of M to utilize the funds it will take to repair the landscape on its own property.
"I would assume that since the railroad owns the property and would be held liable for injuries due to the bad condition and ownership, that they should be financially responsible for repairing the land," Bill said.
Estimates for the cost of the immediate repair of the landscape is unknown. Also, no known attempts by The University have been made to contact the railroad regarding the financial responsibility of repairing the property.
