Closing might disrupt travel

Starting next week, members of the University community might find it more difficult than usual to travel from one side of campus to the other.

Portions of Cameron Avenue will be closed between Raleigh Street and South Columbia Street as part of an upgrade to support a new northeast chiller plant and parking deck on north campus.

The entire road is expected to re-open by May.

Construction Manager Jeff Kidd said maneuvering around the road’s construction will not be impossible.

“Only a portion of the road will be closed at any one time,” he said.

“You will not be able to go all the way past the Old Well to Raleigh Street, but you will be able to get all the way to your building.”

But those who rely on the RU bus route to travel across Cameron will see a more dramatic effect.

The RU will travel northbound on Raleigh Street, but the route will extend onto Franklin Street rather than turning on Cameron Avenue. The bus will then turn down Columbia Street before resuming its original route near the Carolina Inn.

Randy Young, spokesman for the Department of Public Service, stressed that parking permit holders should not worry about access to lots. “They will work their construction so that parking is maintained,” he said.

Kidd also noted that the contractor will not be able to close all access to any driveway at one time.

Officials maintained that pedestrians will see only minimal effects.

“As far as pedestrian access, there’s really not going to be any inconvenience at all,” Kidd said. “The sidewalks along Cameron will remain open throughout the project.”

The construction will begin Monday at the corner of Raleigh Street and Cameron Avenue but might not make its way onto Cameron until later in the week.

“The contractor will be working on Monday, but it will mainly be in the area between Manly (Residence Hall) and the street,” Kidd said. “They’re not going to actually close the street until they actually have to get in.”

Young acknowledged the potential frustrations that the road closing might cause and expressed gratitude for the campus community’s help throughout the construction process.

“There are a lot of projects going on right now,” he said.

“We appreciate the patience and cooperation while these are being undertaken.”

The new chiller plant will support campuswide energy needs.

It includes upgrades and additions to existing chilled water distribution and electrical duct banks connecting with other campus locations.

The parking deck and nearby open space will have 466 and 29 spaces, respectively, to serve North Campus.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.