Spring semester will see the continuation of construction on and around the Kent Campus, so do not be surprised to see traffic cones and construction fences. Below is a brief update on the major construction projects that may impact your travel.
Summit Street
The Summit Street Improvement project will make enhancements to a one-mile stretch of the roadway from Lincoln Street to Loop Road, reducing congestion and making the area safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The project is being managed by the City of Kent and is expected to be completed in late 2017.
Preliminary utility work is nearing completion, and construction has begun on the first phase, which runs from Fraternity Circle to Loop Road. Flaggers will be directing traffic in this area, and there will be delays at times. 
One-way, one-lane eastbound is scheduled to begin in March in the first phase area. Access to buildings and parking lots in the construction area will be maintained at all times. The new traffic pattern will result in changes to two of PARTA’s bus routes, which also will occur in March. Advance notice will be given prior to the route change.
The front section of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center parking lot is being used as a staging area for contractors during the first phase. Additional parking spaces were added to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center lot last summer, which will compensate for the lost spaces in the front lot.
Electronic message boards will be operational in the construction area to advise motorists of lane closures and detours. Motorists traveling Summit Street should allow for extra time to get to their destination.
Traffic and other updates will be posted on the Summit Street website throughout the project.
The Science Mall
Renovations are underway at Cunningham, Smith and Williams halls. Construction of a new addition to Cunningham has resulted in the relocation of the building entrance. A temporary entrance and stairway has been installed for access to the building. The north sidewalk in front of Cunningham Hall has also been closed; pedestrians can still use the sidewalk on the other side of the science mall.
Work continues on the new Integrated Sciences Building, which will wrap around Williams Hall and face the Student Green. A temporary sidewalk has been installed on the south side of Summit, between Fraternity Circle and Campus Center Drive, to provide a safer path for pedestrians. The building is scheduled for completion in July 2017.
The Center for the Visual Arts (School of Art)
The center will be the new home for programs in the School of Art. Phase one (the former heating plant and new connector) opened last semester. Work continues on phase two (Van Deusen Hall) and should be finished later this semester. A grand opening is scheduled for May.
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Work continues on the new facility for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, located just south of the Lefton Esplanade between Willow and South Lincoln streets. Construction is on schedule with an opening date of fall 2016. A grand opening is set for October.
