University preps for fall with summer construction

Addison Dent | The Daily Mississippian

The campus physical plant is finishing its summer construction projects at the University of Mississippi, less than a month before thousands of students return for the fall semester.

“We pick which areas we think need repairing the most,” physical plant project engineer Denny Buchanan said. “Then we try to schedule (the work) for summer.”

Parts of University Avenue, the Lyceum Loop and Library Lane are currently being improved.

With help from Lehman-Roberts Construction Company, physical plant employees are preparing to mill and repave the Circle, beginning at the four-way stop and continuing around Lyceum Loop.

Lyceum Loop has been milled and workers are grating the gravel so that it may be ready to be paved by today said Lehman-Roberts Estimator and Project Manager David Houston, who is also in charge of the current construction work on Old Taylor Road, as well as projects to improve Jackson Avenue.

Recent rain could delay the paving process. However, Buchanan said everything should be completed in 5-7 days as the weather permits. The project began Monday, and was initially expected to have been completed by this Friday.

“We’re going to return to Old Taylor road while that layer dries then complete Lyceum Loop on Monday,” Houston said.

Library Lane has been milled as well, and should be paved and completed by its estimated time on Thursday.

The campus project is budgeted at $165,000, said the Chief Cost Accountant of the University of Mississippi Physical Plant, Donna Mooney.

However, it may not require the full amount.

“What we don’t spend, we will use on other projects around campus,” Buchanan said. “We pick what we think will benefit the appearance and the use of campus.”

Although the noise and bustle of construction workers and equipment can cause minor disruption, some realize the necessary of summer construction projects.

“It’s needed to keep our campus looking good,” senior secondary education major Murphy Turner said.

“It’s needed to keep us at a competitive level with other schools around the country.”

The physical plant is also responsible for the newly repaved Rebel Drive and Sorority Row, and will have other minor construction projects occurring throughout the school year.