SALISBURY, Md.— Salisbury Mayor James Ireton Jr. and Salisbury University President Janet Dudley-Eshbach announced Tuesday that the groundbreaking ceremony for pedestrian, signal, and traffic safety upgrades at the intersection of Bateman Street, Onley Road, and South Division Street will start at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the corner of Bateman and Onley as the City of Salisbury and Salisbury University begin the $280,000 construction project.
Officials said Salisbury University and the city have partnered to create a safer pedestrian crossing for residents including 8-foot sidewalks and coordinated crossing areas that will work together with a new traffic signal to increase safety.
"I am excited and relieved that we've reached this milestone," Ireton said. "The work and generosity of Salisbury University cannot be undervalued. I cite the hard work, over the past six years, of the City of Salisbury Public Works Department as an example of the dedication they have for our city. We will continue to press for improvements in this area of our city and take steps to increase safety. Today is a welcomed day in Salisbury."
City leaders said Bateman Street will be a one-way westbound avenue illuminated by 14 LED streetlights before the fall semester with a new traffic signal to allow left turns from South Division Street onto Onley Road.
"Salisbury University is pleased to see this project move forward and we appreciate the efforts of both the City Council and the Mayor," said SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. "Safety is the top priority of our campus and the increased traffic at the intersection has been a longtime concern."
