It’s a New Year which means a new list of campus enhancing activities is being planned by the Facilities department.

The Project Management Office (PMO) is gearing up for next summer’s construction season with several projects aimed to improve campus life for the University community.

A significant project taking place is the rehabilitation of the PE underground tunnel and south plaza replacement. Construction is set to begin in May and run through to the end of the year.

The project addresses necessary infrastructure upgrades including tunnel leak repairs as well as work to improve the air quality and lighting. The tunnel murals should be preserved unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

Work on the south plaza will see about 1,500 sq. m. of concrete removed and re-poured along the exterior of the Max Bell Aquatic Centre and Student’s Union Building up to the north side of the library and rotunda.

Because the area above the tunnel cannot withstand more than 10,000 lbs. of weight, the underground tunnel will be closed throughout the duration of the project to allow the coordination of heavy duty excavation equipment.

The Aperture Drive bus loop and Lot D with the loop will be also closed during construction. A new, temporary bus route will be planned in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge. The new route will be announced when it is finalized.

The tunnel will remain closed during both June and October convocations. More details regarding this project will be released as it becomes available.

The final phase of the Parking Lot Redevelopment Project will also get underway this summer. The project includes paving Lots E and G, installing landscaping and trees, and the construction of storm water management and drainage systems.

The new residence in Aperture Park will open in July 2013. The last sections of concrete pouring for the 259-bed facility has already taken place. The pouring of the residence roof on Dec. 12 was a significant milestone for the construction crew and we were happy to have the University Board of Governors take in a tour of the site the following day.

Housing is already taking applications for returning students. Read more about what the residence will look like here.