Missouri Southern construction update provided

(From Southern News Service)

It has been a big week on the Oval. Here’s what’s happening:

Vehicular Traffic –

Street Replacement: Continuing through at least Dec. 7, University Parkway from Billingsly Student Center to the Taylor Performing Arts Center, as well as International Avenue from the stoplight on Newman Road to directly past the intersection of Lantern Drive, will be closed for replacement of the asphalt. 

While this will be a major disruption to vehicular traffic, it is also one of the most needed repairs on our campus. 

Students, faculty and staff driving cars will need to pay close attention to street closures and watch out for construction workers and equipment on these streets. All parking lots will remain accessible, just not through the regular routes. 

Vehicles can access parking lot 5 in front of Hearnes Hall through the entrance near Young Gym. For pedestrian traffic, particularly from the residence halls to the main campus and from the east end of the main parking lot to the Oval, please see information below. Your patience is appreciated!

Main Parking Lot: A portion of the main parking lot that has been fenced off for several weeks will be opened next week to allow access to all parts of the lot. Drivers are asked to be careful and watch out for barricades and construction workers. This is still a construction zone despite the opening of a lane for access across all areas of the parking lot.

Pedestrian Traffic –

Street Replacement: Despite construction on International Avenue from the Newman Road stoplight to Lantern Drive, the sidewalk from the residence halls to the main campus will remain open for student travel. 

Pedestrians can cross International Avenue outside the fence at Lantern Drive. Students, faculty and staff parking in the main lot, particularly on the east side, are advised to NOT cut across the street construction to take the shortest route to Webster Hall or Hearnes Hall. 

Instead, they should enter the main campus by walking toward Billingsly Student Center and then crossing the Oval to designated crosswalks. We understand this is a much longer route, but it is VERY unsafe to cross an active construction zone. Please do not do so under any circumstances.

Tunnel from Quads to Main Parking Lot: The tunnel running under Newman Road from the Quads to the main parking remains closed. Students traveling from the residence halls to the Oval are asked to use the crosswalks at International Avenue and Newman Road. DO NOT attempt to cross Newman Road outside of the designated crosswalks. Please use the crosswalk at International Avenue and Newman Road.

Main Parking Lot: Paver installation continues on this project.

Memorial Garden Relocation: Still waiting on dry ground.

Building Entrances –

Hearnes Hall: The “Admissions entrance” on the east side of Hearnes Hall opened back up on Monday morning. All parking and building access should be back to pre-construction conditions on that date.

Webster Hall: The main entrance at the flag poles is open. Fencing may remain to allow landscaping installation, but the main entrance to Webster is open for use.

Spiva Library: The main entrance to Spiva Library remains open despite the presence of fencing as demolition of the sidewalk continues. Students, faculty, and staff should pass around the fencing, staying on the portion of the sidewalk closest to Reynolds Hall, and enter as the normally do at the main entrance to Spiva Library.

Reynolds Hall: Construction on the main entrance to Reynolds Hall nears completion. Until that time, likely the week of Thanksgiving, students, faculty and staff should continue to use the side door to Reynolds, located immediately between Billingsly Student Center and Reynolds Hall.

The street removal described above will make vehicular and pedestrian traffic difficult in the coming weeks. Please be kind to one another and particularly to our friends at R.E. Smith. The end result will be an asphalt street as smooth as glass – a great step forward for the front door of our beautiful campus. Have a great week and, as always, GO LIONS!