University Communications sent out an email yesterday announcing major construction to the campus road network starting May 9. The changes, which will begin the day after graduation, are the third and final phase of construction detailed in the 2011 Campus Master Plan.
In an attempt to minimize inconveniences caused by the work, the road construction will occur in three different phases throughout the summer. Transportation services and parking availability will still be affected by the project.
Senior Amelia Phillips, graduating this spring, lives in the University Forest Apartments and will face increased traffic and closed roads when she moves out of her apartment on May 9.
“I wish they would wait a few days,” Phillips said. “There’s already going to be more people on campus coming for graduation, and the construction’s not going to help with traffic.”
Students, staff and faculty working during the summer term will also be affected by these changes. Michael Hernandez, a junior enrolled in May term, is taking three courses this summer to help lighten his academic load for senior year.
“It’s definitely going to be a hassle,” Hernandez said. “I don’t think I would’ve signed up for as many classes if I knew about the construction earlier.”
Phase A begins on May 9 and will end on June 2, if there are no weather delays. During this phase, Richmond Way between Gateway Road and Tyler Haynes Commons will be closed for roadwork, as well as Parking lots R-13 and R-12. A section of Gateway Road in front of the Robins School of Business will also be closed to create a turnoff for deliveries.
Phase B starts on June 6 and will last until July 22. Westhampton Way will be reconfigured into Gateway Road during this phase. Access to and from Richmond Way will also be affected.
The final phase, Phase C, begins July 25 and is scheduled to end on August 12, just 10 days before undergraduate classes for the fall semester begins. In this last phase, the Gateway entrance will be reconfigured, causing an increase in traffic to all other campus entrances.
While making these changes to Richmond's road system during the summer reduces the number of people affected, many students, staff and faculty will still be affected by the construction—especially those living on campus or attending May term.
To view a map with information on the closures, visit http://bit.ly/1SrS0UH
Contact reporter Audrey Jordan at audrey.jordan@richmond.edu
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