University of Wyoming Operations released a construction report last week that details plans for multiple projects across campus which may extend well into the fall semester.
Senior Hailee Harrison said, “It seems like there’s construction going on almost anywhere you look.”
“I think ever since May it’s been growing more and more difficult to get around the campus and even the rest of town sometimes,” a fellow senior, Alexander Petrosch, said.
Two major centers for construction at UW right now are found on either side of campus.
“I encounter the obvious road construction every day, however even after I get to the buildings my classes are in, there’s more,” said Harrison.
Lewis St., which runs along the eastern side of campus, is currently home to multiple construction jobs. This includes the Science Initiative building, which is in the process of being built.
“I like the development of the building and the plans that have been released so far look awesome,” Harrison said. “It just makes getting to the [Michael B.] Enzi STEM labs difficult sometimes.”
The Science Initiative Building and landscaping around Lewis St. are expected to continue into spring of 2022.
“It’s even hard to drive around in that area or find good parking anywhere near the Classroom Building,” said Harrison.
North 15 St. is also a construction site, which partially blocks access to the Union, residence halls, and dining center.
“I think one of the biggest issues with that construction in front of the Union is that it blocks access to that lot from Ivinson and Grand,” said Petrosch.
This site also covers the Sorority Row exit, creating some difficulty for those who live in the fraternities and sororities to drive out of the assigned parking lot.
“There is that exit and it is unblocked, but it’s tight and traffic can really build there during periods of high rush,” freshmen Paige Cole said. “It makes getting out and in again a hassle.”
The construction in that area is planned to continue until October 8.
“Hopefully they finish on time as it does get difficult maneuvering round campus and the row with that section blocked off,” Cole said.
The eastern section of North 15 St., near the UW police department, was only recently opened after being closed since early June.
This means Willet Dr., which runs past Green Hill cemetery, is no longer the only access to the Union.
Beyond street construction, multiple projects are planned for buildings across campus. Petrosch, an education major, spoke on the construction occurring in the education Annex.
“The first floor has been taped off and under work for a few weeks now and they had the men’s restroom closed for about a week or so,” said Petrsoch. “It makes it a little irritating to be in there at times.”
Education annex construction is reportedly due to a water leak according to UW Operations. There is no end date, as of now.
Other major projects planned to occur involve moving the Bus Maintenance Facility, which is expected last into Winter of 2021; the Wyoming Hall deconstruction and Utility project, which is ongoing; and renovation to the College of Business Student Success Center and Physical Sciences building, which will continue at least until November.
For any more information on current projects or expected timelines, the UW Operations report from last week can be found at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwops/news/constructionreport.html.
