Work is scheduled to begin in two weeks on the second phase of the Summit Street: Building a Better Way Improvement Project. The second phase will make improvements to Summit Street between Lincoln Street and Fraternity Circle, including a second roundabout, a left turn lane from Summit Street to Terrace Drive and the relocation of Campus Center Drive to align with the Student Green.
One-way, one-lane eastbound traffic is scheduled to begin the week of March 6 and will continue through November. Weather or other factors could delay the start of the one-way traffic.
The work will be done in sections, which should minimize the disruption of traffic on Summit Street. Work will begin on Summit between Willow and Morris and will continue through early May. One-way, one-lane traffic will be maintained on that stretch of roadway during that time.
Access to buildings and parking lots in the construction area will be maintained, and the current PARTA bus routes will not be impacted for the remainder of spring semester.
The westbound detour will be state Route 261 to state Route 43 north to Summit Street. Electronic message boards will be operational to advise motorists of lane closures and detours. View videos on the detour route and the project improvements at www.kent.edu/summitstreet/resources.
Motorists should allow extra time to get to their destination and should watch for workers in the construction area, especially during when sun glare is present.
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 first phase was completed in November 2016.
The project is being managed by the city of Kent and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
Find project updates on the Summit Street Improvement Project