By Jackie Todd, University Relations
In the mid-1950s, Clemson University installed main campus underground utilities to serve a student population of roughly 3,300 students. Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, a car cost around $2,200 and ran on gas that cost 18 cents a gallon. Modern day infrastructure needs supporting internet, personal computers and cell phones were certainly not the concern they are today.
The same infrastructure that served the campus in the ‘50s plus an array of additional services are required during the University’s rebuild. And that’s where construction comes in. Much of the campus road construction that the Clemson community is experiencing and will experience throughout the summer will support those upgrades.
To provide accurate information and real-time updates, University Facilities has created an interactive map, best accessed with a desktop or laptop. The map outlines road closure schedules, and accompanying images provide close-ups of each closure with specific information including detours.
It may take a little longer to get around campus, so drivers should plan some extra time for their commutes and be prepared for temporary road closures and detours in certain areas, including:
Highway 93
Highway 93, from Sherman Street to Centennial Boulevard, will be fully repaved. During this time, selected lanes of Highway 93 will intermittently close from early May through mid-June while workers pave, mill, conduct final paving and paint traffic lines on the roadway.
The intersection at Highway 93 and Calhoun Drive (near Sikes Hall) will undergo a transformation that will enhance driver and pedestrian safety. The intersection will close from mid-May through Mid-August to complete the redesign. Detours will provide access Fort Hill Street.
Highway 93 will be completely closed between Cherry Road and Sherman Street from early July through early August, so workers can complete the intersection transformation at Highway 93 and Calhoun Street.
- Things to know:
- All lanes on Highway 93 will be open for the May 9 and 10 Commencement ceremonies.
- Businesses, organizations and facilities along Highway 93 will remain accessible.
- Once paving begins, access from cross streets such as College Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue and Pine Street will temporarily halt as workers complete paving in those respective areas.
- Detour signs and flag personnel will be onsite to direct traffic.
- Unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, can affect the construction schedule.
McMillan Road area
The intersection of Cherry Road and McMillan Road will close from mid-May through mid-June to replace underground electrical, steam, chilled water and telecom distribution lines.
McMillan Road will close at Epsilon Zeta Drive (near Edwards Hall) from early June to mid-July and limit vehicular access to Daniel Hall, Cooper Library East parking lot, Strode Hall, McAdams Hall and the Academic Success Center.
- Things to know:
- Park-N-Ride shuttles will take those requiring ADA accommodations from the C-2 parking lot (map) at the corner of Perimeter and Williamson Roads to these areas affected by the construction.
Newman Road
Newman Road between Morrison and Perimeter will be closed mid-May through early July to redesign traffic patterns through the intersection, which will enhance safety and traveler navigation through the area.
- Things to know:
- Access to R-2 parking lot (next to the Clemson University Fire Station; map) by way of Perimeter Road will remain available. McMillan Road between Dunavan Road and Perimeter Road will also be closed during this time.
Perimeter Road
Perimeter, heading toward the Administrative Services Building – C-01 commuter lot (between Newman and Cherry Roads) will be reduced to one lane from mid-May through early July. Workers will use this time to install a traffic light at the entrance of the lot and include left- and right-turning lanes to make it easier for commuters to safely enter and exit the lot. Personnel will be onsite to direct traffic.
Perimeter Road will close at Highway 76 in mid-May for underground utility work.
Not pictured is the expansion of Parking Lot 5, located at the corner of Perimeter Road and Avenue of Champions. The lot will be expanded mid-May through mid-August and will add 114 commuter spaces.
University Facilities officials reiterate that weather and unforeseen circumstances may impact construction schedules. Check Facilities’ online map, Twitter account and official blog for regular updates.
