We improved pedestrian safety and accessibility around the Florida A&M University–Florida State University College of Engineering campus by redesigning sidewalks and crossings to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. High daily foot traffic made these upgrades essential. A major problem was the absence of a safe route between the engineering campus and the nearby AME and IRC buildings, with no marked crosswalk across Engineering Way. Many crossings at vehicular entry and exit points also lacked detectable warning pads or clear walkways, making it harder for students, staff, and visitors to navigate campus safely.
Our goal was to identify all areas that did not meet ADA requirements and redesign them to create a safer, more accessible pathway network. We surveyed the campus and documented each location where sidewalks, ramps, or crossings were missing or substandard. One critical site was a crossing between two parking lot driveways where vehicles moved in and out from both sides, requiring careful design to protect pedestrians.
We used AutoCAD to redesign each problem area, adding missing sidewalk connections, placing detectable warning pads, and marking crosswalks to clearly indicate pedestrian right-of-way. The main challenge involved working around existing roads, curbs, and utilities, which constrained where new sidewalks and ramps could be installed.
Our final design created a safer and clearer walking environment, improved access for people with disabilities, and reduced conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians. The project made daily travel around the engineering campus safer, smoother, and more inclusive for all users.