Kiester Road will be under construction until September 11, pending the completion of a Slippery Rock township construction project.
The construction of the road started on Aug. 28, with the road being reduced to one lane or closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. These restrictions are part of a transportation improvement project.
Scott Albert, SRU’s assistant vice president of facilities, planning and environmental safety, said the construction is being funded by a grant through PennDOT.
“What they’re doing is installing improved storm water piping,” Albert said.
The improved piping is part of the improvement project that has been underway in Slippery Rock Township, which included repairs to road shoulders, installation of sidewalks and curb ramps. Albert said the construction will impact the east parking lot on campus, and that students in living in off-campus apartments like South Rock may be allowed on the road, but will be inconvenienced.
“It’s going to be more inconvenient for them because they may have to wait for a piece of construction equipment to move so they can get out of the driveway,” Albert said.
Albert said the contractor wanted to be able to shut down the road completely so the construction could be completed faster and with minimal impact to campus and the local school district.
Students received an SRU Communication notifying them of the construction and suggesting that students who would have trouble getting to campus walk or take the Happy Bus.
David Wilmes, associate provost for student success, responded to an upset student on Twitter, writing that the construction does not impact parking, and that he wasn’t sure why the SRU Communication email said to walk, when students can just enter campus near the stadium or main entrance.
