An eroding three-quarter mile stretch of University Drive will undergo rehabilitation in a project that also creates a dedicated shuttle bus lane and improves traffic flow on the historic street that runs through campus.

The $5-million project, which is scheduled to launch on June 1, will also make crosswalk improvements to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, ease traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety while meeting several objectives of the pending Campus Master Plan.

A study by KPPF Engineers of the roadway concluded that the asphalt had reached the end of its service life and cited the need for rehabilitation. Also, standing water caused by the lack of appropriate drainage systems has further intensified road damage in the last decade.

In the first phase of the project, University Drive starting at Red Gum Lane to Camphor Lane will undergo rehabilitation. To create the dedicated shuttle bus lane, contractor crews will widen University Drive by ten feet at narrow locations near the College of Science and old residence halls. All components of the first stage of project are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.

The roadway rehabilitation, however, could cause traffic delays to drivers who use parking lots off University Drive. Construction activity will intensify from June through mid-August to lessen any potential traffic impacts when the fall semester begins.

One traffic lane will remain open at all times and be regulated by traffic monitors using flags and signs. Temporary signage also will direct drivers and pedestrians around construction equipment and crews.

"This infrastructure improvement project, when completed, will ensure that vehicular traffic flows quickly and efficiently along one of the busiest streets on campus," said Aaron Klemm, Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning & Management. "The project also helps achieve transportation goals that include a transit hub outlined in the Campus Master Plan."

Parking along University Drive will be prohibited during the rehabilitation. ADA parking spots in front of Building One will be moved to the lot in the back of the building. Parking spaces for staff and faculty along with spots for motorcycles also will be relocated by Parking & Transportation Services to Parking Lot J.

The street rehabilitation will cause detours for participants in weddings and other events held at Kellogg House. In the first part of the project stretching from Camphor Lane to Mansion, guests to Kellogg House will be directed to access the facility from Kellogg Drive. The second part of the project from Mansion Lane to Red Gum Lane will require guess to use access Kellogg House from Temple Avenue.

As the street rehabilitation progresses, the impact of the project on drivers and the campus community will be communicated through Newsbreak emails and postings on The Compass.

Other aspects of the rehabilitation include:

• Building a retaining wall across from the College of Science (Building 8).
• Reconstructing crosswalks along University Drive to meet ADA requirements.
• Redesigning the ADA ramp near Alamitos Residence Hall (Building 22).Re-establishing ADA parking spaces on University Drive when the project approaches completion.
• Creating a new drainage system that will funnel water directly to storm drains.
• Making landscape improvements along University Drive and protecting an oak tree across from the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture.

The street rehabilitation process consists of replacing the base layer of the road and worn-out asphalt on University Drive. In some sections of the street, up to 22 inches base and asphalt will be replaced. Facilities Planning & Management is overseeing the project.