University of Denver students frustrated by the recent road work on University Boulevard will have a few weeks of relief due to a recent postponement of the construction.
The construction that would have started yesterday has been postponed until some time in May due to concerns about the construction’s affect on water pipes on University Boulevard.
In May, the off-ramp to University Boulevard from I-25 northbound will be closed and University will change to one lane in each direction from Iowa Street to Asbury Street.
The road narrowing will be in effect until late fall of this year.
During the past week, University was closed for several days between Buchtel Boulevard and Iowa Avenue.
The closures and construction caused complaints froma number of drivers. DU student Ryan Hess explained, “It’s really irritating because they send you to Colorado Boulevard and that’s already backed up horribly on its own, let alone with University traffic.”
“It’s kind of a pain,” Hess added, “but since the Evans’ entrance and exits are open, it’s not that bad. I usually just see the signs ahead of time and use the Evans route.”
The closures and road narrowing have been an inconvenience, assistant vice chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs Neil Krauss explained.
He said that throughout the spring and summer, drivers can expect much greater logjams and traffic along University. The DU community is advised to take alternate routes to get either to or from DU.
“DU, the neighborhood, and T-Rex have long been planning on the widening of University. Now that it’s here, we need to take a deep breath and be patient,” Krauss said.
In the long run, DU is looking to benefit from the T-Rex expansion. “Having a turn lane along University north of Asbury will significantly decrease traffic tie-ups, so it will be a much needed improvement,” said Krauss.
But for now, the construction will impact certain aspects of the DU community, like this year’s graduation. Posted on the commencement Web site, the graduate and undergraduate ceremony procedures, taking place June 3 and June 4 respectively, will change.
The site posts that pedestrians will not be allowed to cross University Boulevard at Buchtel Boulevard. Commencement participants, family and friends are also advised to allow additional time to arrive at commencement due to construction in the area.
According to T-Rex committees, the construction on University has not had an adverse impact on businesses surrounding the school.
The road work comes as a result of T-Rex construction, a transportation expansion project transforming travel along the southeast corridor of Interstates 25 and 225. The project will add 19 miles of light rail as well as improve 17 miles of highway.
Closures are subject to change due to weather. For general street closure information, listen to 530 AM. For T-Rex project updates and information on alternate routes, see www.trexproject.com.
