By Kennedy Gilbert
Every day, people travel between the streets on the University of Tampa (UT) campus. But there is one intersection that experiences a heavy influx of traffic. Especially when attempting to turn left at the light when leaving the Thomas Garage.
The intersection is North Boulevard and Frederic H. Spaulding Drive. It is surrounded by the R.K Bailey Art Studios, Ferman Center for the Arts, beach volleyball complex, and the Rick Thomas Garage on every corner.
It has been observed that certain times, called “busy periods,” entail a high capacity of students and cars at that intersection where waves of students are entering and leaving campus or classes. The times are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 5-7 p.m. The middle of the day is prime time.
The left turn light that experiences a significant amount of backup is a left turn yielding light that stays solid green, meaning there is no arrow. There are not only students leaving the Thomas Garage attempting to make a left at the light onto the main road but also students walking on a crosswalk. Cars coming from the opposite direction and left turners must wait before proceeding.
The constant issue is the major traffic buildup that keeps the cars sitting for minutes. “I avoid the Thomas Garage because the traffic gets backed up. With people carelessly driving and pedestrians constantly passing through the crosswalks, you can’t ever pull out,” said senior commuter Brittany Bohlman.
When asked how often she notices the heaviest traffic, she said, “The first two weeks of school. Usually Monday through Thursday, probably the 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. classes.”
That left light is just one piece of the puzzle; the rest of the intersection is challenging.
Some have even gone as far as to opt out of driving to avoid that intersection. “When I do drive to campus, I stay in traffic for 10 minutes, so I feel like it’s worth it to walk instead,” said junior commuter Sofia Czuk.
Another problem is that students cross the crosswalks even when it isn’t their time to walk. The students must wait for other cars traveling in the opposite direction, but when students walk out of turn, the traffic increases more. This applies to every light at that intersection.
Being late to class has also been a challenge for some students. “I have been late a couple of times because of that intersection. I think there should be another traffic light for turning,” said Tiffany Chen, a freshman commuter.
UT Campus and Safety’s assistant director and director declined to comment.
Traffic Control Technician Supervisor of the Tampa Mobility Department, David Worley, recommended requesting an inquiry to the City Traffic Operations Engineer, Nick An, regarding the intersection of Spaulding and N Boulevard.
An provided a crash report on the intersection.
“For the past five years, there have been 15 crashes, including one pedestrian crash involving an SB right turner with a ped crossing north approach. The majority of the crashes were rear-end crashes,” said An.
There is documentation that suggests in 2021, measures were taken to improve the situation. At this time, it is unknown if there will be any further efforts on behalf of the City of Tampa and the University of Tampa.