Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Notification

The James Madison University Department of Police & Public Safety would like to make you aware of several changes and events affecting traffic and pedestrian safety on and around campus beginning today. 

Effective 11-19-2008: The City of Harrisonburg has reprogrammed the traffic light and pedestrian crosswalk signs at the intersection of South Main Street & Grace Street (near Anthony-Seeger Hall) to incorporate an all stop phase to allow pedestrians to cross the street without vehicles being given a green light for straight through or right turns at the same time. This is similar to the all stop cycle that was incorporated in the signals at South Main Street & Bluestone Drive some time ago. The City of Harrisonburg has also modified the light cycles here to incorporate a "Delayed Left Turn" phase. They've installed signage on the light poles above Grace Street at South Main Street to make drivers aware of the new "Delayed Left Turn Signal" at this intersection. This light is currently configured to allow vehicles turning left onto South Main Street to go only after the solid green phase has finished. Drivers should monitor the light closely so that they are prepared to move when given the proper signal. Note: Pedestrians wishing to cross the street must activate the Push To Walk button located on poles at each corner in order to trigger the all vehicle stop phase and prompt the pedestrian crosswalk signals. 

Effective 11-20-2008: The City of Harrisonburg will be installing similar signage above Bluestone Drive and Warsaw Avenue at South Main Street to make drivers aware of the "Delayed Left Turn" phase at this intersection as well. This light is currently configured to allow vehicles turning left off of campus and off of Warsaw Avenue onto South Main Street to go only after the solid green phase has finished. Drivers should monitor the light closely so that they are prepared to move when given the proper signal. Note: Pedestrians wishing to cross the street must activate the Push To Walk button located on poles at each corner in order to trigger the all vehicle stop phase and prompt the pedestrian crosswalk signals. 

Effective 11-24-2008: James Madison University will be performing work on the lighted crosswalk in front of Showker Hall on Bluestone Dr on Monday, November 24, 2008 between the hours of 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Motorist should avoid using the Port Republic Road entrance to campus during this time and should avoid traveling South on Bluestone Drive beyond Carrier Drive during this period to avoid work related delays and congestion. Motorists should exercise caution as only one lane of traffic will be allowed to go at a time. The Champions Drive/Stadium Parking Deck, C9 Parking Lot, P Parking Lot and the Chandler Bus Stop will all remain accessible. Alternate inclement weather date for this project will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 if conditions are not suitable on the original date. 

We hope that this notification and each of these improvements will help you be a Student And Faculty Educated (S.A.F.E.) Walker & Driver! 

Thank you and stay safe! 

Lee Shifflett 
Chief of Police