Purdue student urges improved bike/pedestrian connections; staff says Harrison Bridge refresh and underpass upgrades are planned

Summary

A Purdue student raised concerns about signage, pavement markings and connections for bicyclists and pedestrians on Harrison Bridge and the 9th Street underpass; staff said sharrows remain on Harrison Bridge and that pedestrian upgrades at the 9th Street intersection are on the radar, inviting the student to follow up after the meeting.

During open space/public comment, a Purdue student who identified themself as a university commuter described daily bicycle trips and asked whether recent repairs included updated signage, pavement markings, and consideration for bicyclist and pedestrian safety during planned bridge replacements.

Staff replied that sharrows remain on Harrison Bridge and that the contractor's recent structural repairs did not include repainting pavement markings this season; staff said the markings would likely be refreshed next season. On the 9th Street underpass near Greenbush, staff said pedestrian intersection upgrades are on the radar but the underpass itself is not currently scheduled for near‑term improvements. A committee member said the 10‑year plan includes the Harrison Bridge for redesign with separated multi‑use paths and rail separations, but that such work would be expensive and take time.

Staff invited the student to remain after the meeting to provide contact information and location details so staff can consider specific connections in future updates to the bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The committee emphasized that new projects will incorporate elements from the local bike and pedestrian master plans when feasible.