With construction projects continuing all over campus this summer, students, faculty and staff may find they need to make alterations to their daily routes.
Current construction is part of the first phase of a ten-year plan to renovate the University’s buildings. Some projects are being continued from previous semesters, like renovations to the 1911 Building, which began in February and are anticipated to continue until March 2008, Mary Beth Johnson, Facilities Division Budget Officer, said in an e-mail.
The Transportation Department is working closely with the Facilities Division on multiple projects this summer. “Our real concern was mobility and working to keep all parts of campus accessible,” Christine Klein, communications director for the Transportation Department, said.
Pedestrian routes across campus face changes as certain sections have to be closed. Tunnel closures near Reynolds Coliseum cause some students to make a detour.
“It makes it inconvenient because you have to walk all the way toward the Free Expression Tunnel or East Campus Tunnel,” Zenobia Drammeh, a junior in communication, said.
The success of the renovation of the Free Expression Tunnel last year encouraged the work on the additional tunnel this summer, according to Klein.
“The renovated Free Expression Tunnel looks good and functions well,” Klein said, “It’s just a little bit of a pain for right now.”
The tunnel project is expected to come to an end in June. The completion will reopen that section of campus and restore the route.
“The end of the tunnel project is a celebration in and of itself,” said Timothy Tresohlavy, parking planner and construction liaison to the Transportation Department.
Parking is also a concern for students, employees and faculty. Students accustomed to parking in the Riddick Lot near the former Riddick Stadium will have to find alternate parking during the busiest times of the day.
As construction continues on the new Math and Statistics Building on the stadium’s former lot, some spaces remain, but many are no longer available for use. Students can find additional parking spots in Yarborough, Mann and North lots as well as on Hillsborough Square as a temporary alternative while construction is underway, according to Tresohlavy.
Transportation is working on two major projects this summer: repaving of the Hillsborough Building lot and repaving a portion of Thurman Drive near Sullivan Residence Hall.
“We, as a department, are paying for these projects because it needs to be done,” Tresohlavy said.
The department funds go toward hiring a private architect to design the projects.
The majority of projects are funded by the 2000 Higher Education Bond Referendum, Johnson said.
North Carolina voters passed the $3.1 billion bond referendum in November 2000, according to the North Carolina Education Web site. The funds are allotted with the intention to allow the 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina, as well as the 59 community college campuses in the state, to supply the best educational and economic opportunities possible.
Funding for these projects also comes from other sources. The Math and Statistics Building is funded by a combined $28.2 million in bonds and a $10 million gift, Johnson said.
Projects such as the Carmichael Gymnasium addition receive funding through student fees.
“A whole variety of people use Carmichael; probably anyone who goes to State has used it once or twice,” Darren Brennan, a junior in communication, said. “The money has to come from somewhere, so I’m not against using student fees to pay for it.”
The Paul Derr Track, Soccer and Softball Fields are made possible through athletic receipts, Johnson said.
“Construction on Cates Avenue and Dan Allen were major projects last year. It is going to be a much easier summer for us,” Klein said.
