There are more detour signs on campus than there have been in the past few years, and the number of construction projects taking place is necessary for MSU to proceed with future plans, said University Engineer Robert Nestle.
Two railroad overpasses planned for 2008 will bring more traffic and construction to the university for 18 months. To prepare for the project, getting small-scale work done now is imperative, Nestle said.
There are more than a dozen construction projects taking place on campus between May and August. Some of these projects are spread out, while others are occurring within a few blocks of each other. Here is a brief synopsis of some of the projects that could affect your commute and how to avoid them by car or on foot.
Shaw Lane
Shaw Lane is experiencing an underground makeover, including a new steam system, which helps to heat campus buildings and water distribution improvements.
During construction, Shaw Lane will be closed between Chestnut Road and Harrison Avenue— including the Birch Road and Shaw Lane intersection — until August 18. The road will slim to two lanes, one in each direction, in front of the Duffy Daugherty Football Building for about four weeks. Chestnut Road will remain open at all times during the construction. To access campus, drivers can take Harrison Avenue to Wilson Road, which runs parallel to and south of Shaw Lane. From there, the quickest route to campus is via Red Cedar Road to Shaw Lane.
Clark Construction Company is the contractor for the project. Budgeted at about $12.3 million, the cost of the steam and street renovation project is coming out of the University General Fund.
Bogue Street
The trek to see horses and roses may take longer for avid plant and animal fanatics this summer. The construction of a new steam tunnel along Bogue Street will disrupt the flow of traffic, including those heading for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the 4-H Children's Garden.
Bogue Street will be closed from the Bogue Street and Service Road intersection to the south entrance of the Veterinary Medical Center parking lot from February to September. Commuters may need to allot more travel time, as those coming from the south side of campus will have to reach these facilities by an alternate route. They can do so by taking Service Road west to Farm Lane, going north on Farm Lane and then east on Wilson Road. The Wilson Road and Bogue Street intersection is also undergoing construction, inhibiting the flow of traffic on the west side of campus.
There will also be phased closures near the Bogue Street and Plant and Soil Sciences access loop. During these closures, access to the Plant and Soil Sciences Building, the 4-H Children's Garden and the Veterinary Medical Center will be maintained.
Clark Construction Company is also responsible for the work being done on Bogue Street.
The $3.9 million project also is coming out of the University General Fund.
West Circle Drive
The entrance between Grand River Avenue and MSU's campus will be revamped to improve both pedestrian and vehicular safety. Abbot Entrance serves as the intersection between West Circle Drive and Grand River Avenue, and sits between the MSU Union and dormitories. Because of this, designated crosswalks are being added, parking is being reduced and lanes are being modified.
The project is scheduled to take place from early June to mid-August. According to a university document, a designated motor vehicle through lane, bike lane and right turn motor vehicle lane at the northbound Abbot Entrance should allow for increased visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
Carol's Excavating is responsible for the new entrance, which is expected to cost $257,000. The money is coming from the University General Fund.
Three parking bays east of the MSU Museum and Linton Hall and a bus turnout on West Circle Drive at Olds Hall will also be removed. These projects will coincide with the construction on the entrance.
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Wilson Road
Sandwiched between two construction projects on Bogue Street is another project both motorists and pedestrians will notice once finished. The Wilson Road and Bogue Street traffic circle is being converted into a traditional, signaled intersection, which will allow for an increase in traffic, Nestle said. Throughout the project, portions of both streets beyond the intersection will also be under construction. The project is scheduled to go on from May to August. Nestle said having these projects completed on time is necessary for the rest of the campus construction to run smoothly.
To navigate around the intersection, motorists can take Service Road west to north Farm Lane or Hagadorn Road north to East Shaw Lane.
Aggregate Industries is the contractor for the construction. The University General Fund is taking care of the $2.1 million project cost.
Snyder/Phillips Hall
Instead of books and laptops donning Snyder/Phillips' hallways, hard hats and tool belts will. The hall is undergoing renovations, including renovating the community bathrooms, outdoor masonry and plumbing and the electrical and heating systems. New windows and a sprinkler alarm system also will be installed. Housing & Food Services is funding the $39.5 million renovation. The Christman Construction Co. is the contractor.
The road running between Mason/Abbot and Snyder/Phillips is closed, but Bogue Street will remain open. The hall is not scheduled for completion until August 2007, but Dormitory Road should be accessible by this fall 2006, Nestle said.
