Comanche Trail is set to reopen in the spring semester of 2024, Oct. 30. (Stephanie Garcia)

Comanche Trail will reopen in January after the Student Government Association found students were unhappy with the lack of accessibility and parking space in the area. Over the course of the semester, the SGA received numerous complaints from MSU students about the walkway portion of Comanche Trail. The road used to be open until last summer, when the administration closed it off with the intention of turning the space into a student promenade. 

This led the SGA to carry out a poll in which students were asked what were their thoughts on the matter. Student senators discussed whether Comanche Trail should remain an enclosed area only for walking or return the road to being car-accessible. 

Out of the 299 students interviewed, over 80% wanted Comanche Trail to reopen. The SGA brought the results of the survey to MSU President Stacy Haynie who ultimately gave her approval for having the road open again. SGA Vice President Vincent Peter explained that President Haynie is planning on redirecting the funds for the walkway toward improving MSU’s student retention.

Although some students liked not having to worry about cars passing when crossing the road, Comanche Trail produced “more inconveniences than conveniences,” as Peter described. He added that “getting around campus became a real hassle,” for students as they could no longer use the road. Students also found it increasingly difficult to find convenient parking spaces. 

Another issue raised with Comanche Trail being closed was longer wait times for the Mustang Shuttle. Peter pointed out that in previous semesters, students would wait for the bus no longer than 15 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon at the bus station. However, with Comanche Trail being blocked off, the Mustang Shuttle had to be rerouted. Now, MSU students wait an additional 15 minutes for the Mustang Shuttle to arrive. Reopening Comanche Trail may . 

However, January is almost two months from now. The timeline is necessary because Comanche Trail has not received any form of maintenance for more than three months. It will need the necessary repairs and preparations before being ready for use again. 

Despite the long wait, students have assurance that Comanche Trail will be open again for the 2024 Spring semester.