Do you ever avoid a particular place because of one bad experience?

I have to adjust my usual (walking) commute to the train station for the next month because the city is doing some construction. This morning I made my adjusted commute, which led me down a narrow pedestrian walkway between a concrete wall and a chainlink fence. I came upon a group of drunk dudes who got in my face, threw an empty bottle at me, and just generally scared the shit out of me. This evening I found a different route to take home. I’m not sure if I’m being ridiculous by avoiding the other route just because of what happened this morning. I know this kind of thing is how agoraphobia starts.

General stories from your life, or specific advice related to my situation, are both welcome.