The University Avenue (State Road 26) from Gale Lemerand Drive to NW 14th Street Safety Improvements Project is the second of three safety projects FDOT has planned for University Avenue near the University of Florida. This project will improve safety and increase pedestrian mobility by adding raised crosswalks at two locations along University Avenue, across from the main entrance to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and just west of NW 14th Street. Raised crosswalks will serve two functions:

1. Provide safe, signal controlled locations for pedestrians to cross University Avenue.

2. Serve as traffic calming devices to replace the existing temporary speed tables installed in 2021, which will be removed as part of the project.

Other construction items include: drainage improvements, new curb and sidewalk, new signs and pavement markings and enhanced street lighting at the raised crosswalks.

Traffic will be maintained in accordance with FDOT standards. Drivers can expect continuous, single-lane closures for both directions of University Avenue throughout the duration of the project. Pedestrians will also see periodic sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours. Pedestrian detour routes will be signed and advance notice will be provided to the public. FDOT encourages drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic laws, be alert to construction workers and traffic devices, and to closely follow signage along the detour routes.

FDOT selected Anderson Columbia Construction Inc. to complete this $2.6 million project by summer 2023, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.