If you’ve been on the east side of campus any time in the last month, no doubt you’ve noticed the ongoing utility construction work impacting Burlington, Madison, and Court Streets and changing normal traffic flow near the UI Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. These critical utility infrastructure projects are being advanced to enhance reliability of utility service and to provide for future campus growth.

Work began near the Power Plant last spring and improvements to the high-voltage underground distribution, water, steam, gas, and chilled water systems will extend along Burlington to Madison Street, Court Street, and to Clinton Street.

The strengthened utility infrastructure will provide for a more robust electrical distribution to the entire campus. In addition, the School of Music building will connect to the new services that are being extended on Court Street.

Charlie Saxton, Facilities Management construction manager, says, “Due to necessary disruption of traffic lanes and pedestrian routes the heaviest of this work was not started until conclusion of classes. The work is moving forward despite interruptions for flood barrier construction and wet weather.”

The following are estimated dates for restoration of normal traffic flow on each street:

• Madison Street, June 17
• Burlington Street, June 21
• Court Street, December 20

Extensive efforts are made to maintain safe passage for people and vehicles. As the work changes and moves from phase to phase traffic control signs and fences must be frequently adjusted. Everyone is asked to be alert, observe construction signs, yield to pedestrians, and to proceed with care when passing through construction zones.