Phase I of Campus Plan begins
with partial Asbury closing
from Pierce Dr. to hospital
It didn't take long to go from showing to implementing the master plan.
On May 26, Phase I of the "pedestrian campus" known as Open Space
One-a continuation of the North Kilgo project-will begin when contractors
close down Asbury Circle between Pierce Drive and Emory Hospital. The pavement
and brickwork for the $1.2 million project should be completed by Aug. 14,
said Hector Morales, Facilities Management project manager. Atlanta landscape
architects Hughes/Good/ O'Leary & Ryan were hired to develop the project.
The firm worked with Ayers/Saint/ Gross in developing the master plan.
The project will leave Asbury, extending from Pierce over the bridge
in front of Cox Hall and stopping in front of the hospital steps, bricked
over and suited for pedestrians and service vehicles only.
Because the project is only one part of the plan to create walkways throughout
the central campus, single-arm gates will mark both entries to the newly
created area. Shuttle buses and the like will have remote controls and access
cards to enter. Morales emphasized that only service vehicles having business
in the area are allowed through; other service vehicles won't be permitted
to cut through the area for convenience.
Among the other work the project will entail is replacing the railing
along the bridge over the ravine, which will remain the same width but have
no curb. The project will also create a temporary turnaround in front of
the hospital for drivers who've wandered past "no traffic" signs.
"It will be gravel for the majority of the summer, then paved after
a steam line upgrade is constructed," Morales explained.
The new area will have the same types of "site amenities" as
the North Kilgo walkway, including benches, landscaping, bicycle racks and
improved lighting, Morales said. For that project he's heard mostly good
things, he said. However, people using wheelchairs or canes have found the
brickwork uneven and difficult to navigate. The new project will use a different
kind of brick, Morales said. "It's the same as Centennial Olympic Park-a
lot more uniform, a much smoother surface for people to walk or ride on."
Phase II of the project, which will include creating a pedestrian walkway
between the DUC, Alabama Hall and the Anatomy and Physiology buildings,
will most likely commence next summer. There's only a short timeframe in
which to undertake these projects, Morales said. "We prefer constructing
these types of projects during the summer months to minimize disruption
to the campus community." Morales doesn't see finishing the remainder
of Asbury, to Fishburne Drive, for another five or six years.
For further information about the project or updates, call Morales at
404-727-1920.
-Stacey Jones
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