Construction to force change in traffic patterns on Charter Street

Utility construction near Charter Street and University Avenue has forced a change in traffic patterns on Charter Street that will last through about mid-October.

Beginning this week, traffic on Charter Street between Linden Drive and University Avenue will be one-way southbound only. Northbound traffic will not be permitted – including right turns onto Charter Street from University Avenue.

The change was made to alleviate congestion on Charter Street, and to allow the Route 80 campus bus to stay on schedule, according to Rob Kennedy, the campus’ senior transportation planner.

Kennedy also reminds campus bus riders that Route 80 changed this week, with buses no longer using University Avenue and Randall Street to access Union South. Instead, Route 80- will follow Charter Street south to a new stop at Charter and Johnson streets, a block away from Union South.

The route change is intended to shorten travel times between the east and west sides of campus, Kennedy says. Also, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., some buses will turn around and head east at UW Hospital and Clinics rather than travel on to Eagle Heights, allowing for campus bus service every five minutes.

Eagle Heights will still be served every 15 minutes during this time, Kennedy says.