Traffic patterns shifting around university

If the signs, construction equipment and panel upon panel of temporary fencing weren’t an indication, DePauw University is undergoing a bit of a facelift.

While the one-way traffic on Locust Street in the area of the Pulliam Center came to an end in recent weeks, a number of other traffic patterns have been established or will soon be taking effect in the area of campus.

To begin with, College Avenue will temporarily become a two-way street south of Olive Street due to construction that will close the intersection with Olive.

The intersection is closed for the installation of storm sewer pipes.

The two-way traffic pattern began on Wednesday and will continue through early August.

Beyond this, though, the area south of the Green Center around Olive Street is congested with construction activity. Citizens are asked to avoid this area whenever possible.

As work continues around campus, other closures or traffic changes are coming in July.

Beginning on Monday, July 8 and through Friday, July 12, Locust Street will be closed south of Anderson Street for installation of campus utility lines.

Also on July 8-12, Lincoln Avenue will be closed south of Olive Street for the installation of storm sewer pipes.

Later in July, Locust Street will be closed from Olive Street to Howard Street for the replacement of sanitary sewer lines in the middle of the street.

The starting date and work schedule will depend on weather conditions, though it is tentatively scheduled for Monday, July 15 through Friday, Aug. 2.

Users of Locust Street are urged to find alternate routes such as Bloomington and Jackson streets during the construction period for this project.

Besides these temporary closures, College Avenue is now permanently closed from Hanna to Olive Street, joining the stretch of College Avenue from Seminary to Hanna that the city vacated years ago.

“Both the city and the university greatly appreciate the patience of neighbors and citizens,” Mayor Bill Dory said. “The work that is under way is significant with a long-term lifespan.”

The roadwork around campus is being completed in conjunction with the university’s five-year plan for revitalizing South Quad with four new dormitories.

The timetable for the first residence hall, a $23 million project, calls for completion by the start of the 2020-21 school year.

For additional updates, see: www.depauw.edu/currentbuildingprojects