Returning MSU students will notice significant aesthetic changes around campus as a result of summer-long construction to improve campus roads and buildings.
Farm Lane was closed between Wilson and Auditorium roads from May through the beginning of July. It now has blacktop and a 15 speed bump at the light on the Farm Lane bridge. Sidewalk paths running along the Red Cedar River have also been widened near the same section of Farm Lane.
Construction on Brody Road, which runs around Brody Complex, has been ongoing for the last five years as part of the university's maintenance program. Crews completed the final construction phase June 20.
"Brody Road was built in the 1960s and had a 30-year life expectancy," said Dennis Hansen, construction superintendent for Campus Park and Planning. "It's gone untouched for 40 years."
In addition to the asphalt, Hansen said construction crews upgraded handicapped parking and accessibility ramps to meet building standards and replace the aging bike racks with more modern steel loops. Rubbish bins, which were previously located under dorm windows, have been relocated so students can breath more easily.
Service Road, which underwent the heaviest road construction, was completely rebuilt to modern standards and design configurations. Every driveway adjacent to the road has been widened to meet regulations. Hansen said the road is now reopened to traffic and is complete, and some finishing touches are expected. Construction crews will be finished with their work by the time school starts.
Students also will notice crews working on the rooftops of the Chemistry, Biochemistry and Food Science buildings. Sharon Joy, Engineering and Architectural Services' construction representative, said the projects are paid by bond money from the state.
Bull said the construction is part of an extensive ventilation improvement project. Food Science is getting main duct work, exhaust fans, fume hoods and air handlers. The Chemistry Building's improvements aren't as extensive because the Physical Plant updated the ventilation system just a few years ago, Bull said. He said all three projects are scheduled to be completed by winter 2004-05.
