Road closures around the UA campus during the summer are about as common as the sweltering heat. With less volume on campus, summers provide the best time for UA Campus Development to improve infrastructure.
But what exactly happens when the roads are closed?
“The primary objective of road construction projects, like the one that closed University Boulevard this past summer, is to maintain and upgrade the campus infrastructure,” said Shawn Templeton, university utility and infrastructure planner. “These projects are critical to ensuring that the University continues to provide a safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing environment for students, staff and visitors.
“Interestingly, road construction projects are often the result of necessary utility work that takes place beneath the roads. These projects are typically scheduled during the summer when campus traffic is at its lowest, minimizing disruption to the campus community.”
While not seen, infrastructure and utilities below the surface are vital to daily operations. Examples of systems below ground include:
- Storm, sanitary sewer and water lines that manage rainwater runoff, sewage and water supply.
- Natural gas piping that provides a reliable energy source for heating, cooking and other needs.
- Electrical distribution circuits essential for powering campus buildings and facilities.
- Network infrastructure including fiber optic, coaxial and copper communication cables that support UA’s extensive digital and communication needs.
- Campus chilled and hot water distribution piping that are crucial for maintaining the air conditioning systems that regulate the temperature within many campus buildings.
“The infrastructure systems buried beneath the campus are indispensable in creating a comfortable and connected learning environment,” said Templeton. “Each component, from water lines to electrical circuits, plays a vital role in the daily life of the campus. For instance, the chilled and hot water distribution systems are essential for air conditioning, ensuring that students and staff enjoy a comfortable indoor climate regardless of the weather outside. Similarly, the robust network infrastructure supports digital needs, allowing for seamless communication, research, and learning.”
Once improvements below the surface are complete, work at surface, which is equally important, can take place. Surface-level improvements include:
- Pavement improvements ensuring roadways and parking lots are safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Sidewalk and crosswalk updates designed to accommodate the needs of pedestrians, making it easier and safer for people to move around campus.
- Landscaping to enhance visual appeal, creating an attractive outdoor environment for the campus community and visitors.
“While road closures and construction can be inconvenient, these projects offer substantial long-term benefits,” Templeton said. “As the University has expanded over the years, the infrastructure that supports it must also grow and be maintained.
“These infrastructure projects ensure that UA can continue to operate efficiently and safely, providing a high-quality environment for learning, research, and community activities. They are essential investments in the campus’s future, enabling it to meet the evolving needs of its growing population.”
Stay up to date on road closures and plan alternate routes by checking the UA campus map.