Murray city officials are holding a community forum next week to discuss the future of 16th street.
The north-south street cuts through Murray State University campus and sees 7,000 cars and some 11-12,000 pedestrian per day, with many of them students. Due to persistent traffic and safety concerns, university and city officials are discussing options to modify the street.
The city is using an $800,000 state grant to produce a feasibility study, which is expected to be presented later this fall.
In an earlier interview, MSU President Bob Davies said 16th is a city street and the decision is ultimately up to Murray officials, but the university has several vested interests.
“To me first and foremost is the safety of our students, faculty and staff, we have to put that at the forefront," said Davies. "The second item that we need to take a very strong look at is what can be done immediately, what can be done long-term and what are the steps in-between. And the third aspect is cost.”
Projected costs to the city for modifications are in the $8-9 million range.
Davies said temporarily closing 16th street and rerouting student traffic could cost the university about half a million dollars.
The public forum is Tuesday September 1st from 5-7 PM in the Robert O Miller Conference Center.
