Ongoing improvements aim to reduce campus navigation barriers

Enhancements in a targeted range of exterior spaces will help to foster a more accessible physical landscape at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.

Supported by a $400,000 university financial commitment toward the implementation of campus accessibility improvements, the planning process for the projects is driven by an ongoing collaborative effort between the Facilities Department and the Office for Equity and Accessibility.

Project prioritization continues to be shaped by feedback and engagement from the campus community, national accessibility compliance standards, and the most recent accessibility report associated with Beyond Boundaries 2047: The Campus Plan.

Please read on for a list of completed Facilities projects, as well as projects currently underway that aim to reduce navigation barriers across campus.

Patton Hall
Accessibility improvements to the Patton Hall entryway were recently completed. The entry ramp was reconstructed to include compliant sloping. 

April 16 Memorial
Accessibility upgrades were recently completed at the April 16 Memorial. Enhancements include widened and continuously-sloping pathways, accessible entry points into the upper garden, new accessible bench seating, and relocation of accessible parking spaces in closer proximity to the Memorial.

Goodwin Hall
Renovations to the exterior of Goodwin Hall are currently underway with the goal of delivering an accessible paved pathway between the building’s east entry and main accessible south entry. A new accessible seating area along the pathway will also be installed. Additionally, new landscaping and partial demolition of existing sidewalk will help pedestrians navigate around existing storm water retention areas.

Perry Street route/Derring Hall access improvements
Also underway is a new accessible route from Perry Street to Burchard Plaza, Burruss Hall, and Old Turner Street via the elevator in Derring Hall. All Derring Hall visitors will soon be able to access the Derring Hall elevator to get to the upper plaza area 24-hours-a-day. New interior and exterior signs will help guide pedestrians to the elevator route.

Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine “I” Parking Lot route
Installation of a fully-accessible pathway from the “I” Parking Lot to the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine complex is in design, along with new pathway lighting to enhance safe 24-hour-a-day access. The pedestrian crosswalk at the Vet Med facility will also receive upgraded lighting for increased safety.

“We’re proud to continue to partner with the Office for Equity and Accessibility to help improve ease of navigation for all those who study and work at Virginia Tech, as well as visit the Blacksburg campus. These improvements are a physical reflection of the university’s commitment to accessibility,” said Chris Kiwus, associate vice president and chief facilities officer.

“Physical accessibility is an important priority in the university’s efforts towards a more accessible and inclusive campus. These campus infrastructure enhancements serve as a catalyst for continued communication and collaboration among students, administrators, faculty, and staff,” said Pamela Vickers, director of ADA and accessibility services in the Office for Equity and Accessibility.

Related links:

• Report a physical barrier on campus
• ADA and accessibility services
• Enhancements at April 16 Memorial among proposed improvements to boost campus accessibility
• Everything you need to know to report an issue to the Virginia Tech Facilities Department