Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 29, 1995 TAG: 9507310042
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's when paving starts on the road around the campus centerpiece, the Drillfield.
"It needs it. It's breaking up. We're having potholes," said Spencer Hall, assistant vice president for facilities.
Whether the entire road is closed the entire time remains unclear. Word should come for sure this week.
"With all the traffic and parking, it probably will be closed, for the most part. That's the only way you can work in that area," said John Thompson, assistant resident engineer for the state Department of Transportation.
"We won't close anything, or keep it closed, any longer than what we absolutely have to. We're trying to get everything done before the students come back for the fall semester," he said.
Said Virginia Tech Police Lt. Palmer Caldwell: "It's going to be a pain, no doubt about it. But once it's finished, it'll be well worth it."
The summerlong construction project also has added islands for pedestrians crossing Drillfield Drive, and improved handicapped access throughout the area.
Back in April when work on sidewalks began, campus wags wondered why the school could afford to rebuild those, even as administrators wrung their hands over a $12 million shortfall for the academic side of the operation. The $450,000 sidewalk renovation was especially appropriated for maintenance by the General Assembly, Hall said.
Road paving is being paid for by the state Transportation Department, because the state university's roads are officially state roads. Adams Construction Co. is doing the work.
While Drillfield parking spaces are closed, drivers may want to park in Wallace Lot, or at the west end of the Duck Pond, according to an advisory issued by the university back in June when construction began.
Given the mess, Caldwell's advice is simple: "Avoid the Drillfield if at all possible."
by CNB