School's out, road construction begins

concrete

Campus road work beginning next week will replace deteriorating sections of concrete. Submitted photo.

Summer = road construction in the upper Midwest, including the Iowa State campus. Starting Wednesday, May 2, and – weather permitting – wrapping up the first week in August, crews will remove and replace deteriorating sections of concrete on these campus roads (PDF), largely on the east and north sides of campus:

  • Beach Road between Lincoln Way and Wallace Road
  • Wallace Road between Beach Road and University Boulevard
  • University Boulevard between Wallace and Stange roads
  • Stange Road between University Boulevard and Squaw Creek
  • Union Drive in front of the Thielen Student Health Center
  • Union Drive in front of the Memorial Union
  • Intersection of Union Drive and Wallace Road

Additionally, the section of Union Drive from Lincoln Way to College Creek will receive an overlay of asphalt.

First up

The work will require lane closures, but two-directional traffic will be maintained. In some cases, the sidewalk adjacent to the road also will be replaced. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to observe signs advising them how to navigate the area.

Work will begin May 2 with the eastbound lanes of University Boulevard (in front of the horse barns) and then move to the westbound lanes, said Mike Parsons, construction manager in facilities planning and management. Subsequent components will be scheduled around campus activities and special events, including Special Olympics, new student orientation and Odyssey of the Mind.

The concrete replacement is part of the university's 2012 pavement preservation plan. Institutional Roads funds, university funds and utility repair funds will cover the $910,000 cost.