Construction on a new sidewalk connecting the Vinings to campus will begin in May and will be completed by the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.
The concrete sidewalk will start at the bottom entrance of the Vinings (the one closest to campus) and will end at the corner of Timmons Arena. The path will run through the woods on the opposite side of the street from the Vinings, parallel to Duncan Chapel Road. In addition, a bridge will cross the creek on the route through the woods.
A crosswalk will be installed at the Vinings entrance similar to the one where the Swamp Rabbit Trail crosses Old Roe Ford Road. Flashing warning lights will be included in the crosswalk to ensure the safety of pedestrians, and there will be ample lighting along the entire length of the sidewalk to protect people traveling at night.
Elcainey Baker, the project manager of the new path, said that Furman has been planning to construct a sidewalk to campus ever since purchasing the Vinings in 2008.
The sidewalk will encourage Vinings residents to walk to and from campus, providing a safe route for bikers and pedestrians. Current and future Vinings residents said they are excited about the new development.
“The sidewalk makes the Vinings a more appealing option for housing,” said junior Kayla Hirsch.
“I like the idea of being able to enjoy the outdoors while getting physically active on the way to class,” she added.