UCF students push for pedestrian bridge over Alafaya Trail

ORLANDO, Fla. — Two University of Central Florida students are pushing for a major change they say will keep more students safe.

They're urging the state to put up a pedestrian bridge over Alafaya Trail near University Boulevard so students can cross safely.

The area is already busy and some students worry with new construction of apartment buildings and businesseS, it's about to get even worse.

The students said they would like to see a change happen fast.

“Students are coming and going from campus. We want to make sure they can come to their campus safely,” UCF student Sydney Altfield said.

Weston Bayes and Altfield are running for president and vice president of student government at UCF.

Their platform includes campus safety and one of their main goals is to convince the state to put up a pedestrian bridge, similar to the one that spans south Semoran Boulevard near Orlando International Airport.

WFTV has reported on scores of accidents on Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard near the entrance of UCF.

Earlier this month UCF student Brooke Dawkins died after she was struck by a car in that area.

Still, some students had mixed feelings about the bridge proposal.

“I don’t think it’s worth the money. We have crosswalks here,” said UCF student Shaun Green.

Florida Department of Transportation officials said they have no immediate plans to put up a bridge, but the state is in the midst of studying the area to help make Alafaya Trail a pedestrian-friendly road.

“This city thrives on UCF, and we want to make sure all of our students are safe coming and going from campus,” Altfield said.

An FHP spokesperson said there have been three pedestrian fatalities at the intersection since 2008.

WFTV