Construction is very familiar to students and faculty at MSU. Recently, on almost every corner of campus, streets are being upgraded, residence halls are being renovated and new construction projects are being planned or executed for the benefit of those who utilize campus resources frequently.
Although these projects can cause traffic and disruption for students, they are necessary for the infrastructure and safety of campus. Similarly, East Lansing wants its roads and sidewalks to be safe for users and must allow for the appropriate construction to ensure this.
When the academic year comes to a close this spring, the Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT, plans to make upgrades to Grand River Avenue, Michigan Avenue and other roads and bridges in the area. With the upgrades, increased traffic is expected in East Lansing and around campus next summer due to drivers using alternative routes to avoid the construction.
The Grand River Avenue construction is expected to extend from Coolidge Road to Park Lake Road and will have at least one open traffic lane in each direction. Michigan Avenue will see construction to improve intersections and add three Michigan left turns.
Grand River Avenue last underwent construction about 12-15 years ago, and the average road has a life of about 20 years before it deteriorates in quality substantially.
Although these construction projects can be disruptive to students and faculty who drive on campus, the improvements are necessary to keep these streets and the drivers who use them in good condition.
Students and faculty might have to deal with a slight disruption to their daily routines because of a likely increased commute time, but they will be happy next fall when these improvements are completed.
The construction of these streets is slotted to happen while a majority of students are on summer break starting next May and is expected to be completed before students return in the fall. During the summer semesters, MSU holds only about one-fourth of the total population of the school year, so fewer students and faculty will have to deal with the traffic caused by this construction than those who would have to deal with it during the fall or spring semesters.
Being from a state that experiences many different types of inclement weather frequently, Michigan’s roads face basic wear and tear much more quickly than the roads of other states, causing potholes, uneven streets and cracked sidewalks. It is encouraging to know MDOT will continue to seek improvements to these streets because, ultimately, the safety of drivers is most important.
Students and faculty will have to deal with the inconveniences and traffic caused by the construction this summer, but when a majority of MSU’s population returns next fall, they will see improved intersections and streets and will be thankful for the work put forth by MDOT.
Construction can be a necessary evil, causing trouble for those who have to deal with its disruptions, but ultimately benefiting all who will utilize its improvements.
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