University prepares for bypass construction delay

Jay Dorne / Asst. News Editor

Construction plans in Alamance County have changed, delaying completion of a new highway bypass that will provide an alternative entrance to the university

Elon officials had been planning for the interchange to be completed in time move-in day in the fall, according to Gerald Whittington, vice president for business, finance and technology. He said that the university is using the extra time to consider further transportation options.

The delays have been a result of inclement weather and problems with contractors throughout the past two years, according to county transportation officials.

“Since last year it’s been considerably wet, which is abnormal for the construction seasons,” said Donnie Huffines, resident engineer for Alamance County. “We are behind schedule, but are making efforts to catch up and progress.”

The interchange is part of the Western Alamance loop, a state-funded construction project designed to connect the northern and southern regions of the county. When completed, there will be a four-lane bypass connecting US 70 and Kirkpatrick Road.

A separate construction project in the area surrounding Cook Road will allow access to Elon by way of University Drive. This project, which has been an estimated cost just more than $24 million, has two major parts, according to Mike Nunn, transportation manager for the city of Burlington.

US 70 will connect to Westbrook Avenue, a section that Nunn said will be finished by 2005. The more complicated section will connect Westbrook and the existing University Drive with a bypass over Haggard Avenue.

“It is especially critical to the university that this second section stays on track,” said Nunn. “The four-lane parkway from the interstate will be excellent for Elon.”

Three locations have been designated as village centers, areas that will generate economic activity through residential or commercial property. Two village centers will be located along University Drive at the intersections of Shallowbrook and Manning. The third location is located at the nearby intersection of NC 87 and Haggard Avenue.

Mike Dula, town manager of Elon, said once the roads and developments are finished, it will just be a matter or what the university wants to promote as an entrance.

“Elon is actively working to find the best possible way for a person to come to Elon, particularly for the first time,” said Whittington who indicated that new construction will create three new possible routes.

University administrators are considering two of the routes possibilities for a new official path from the interstate to campus, according to Whittington.

One possibility will be arriving form the north on Williamson Avenue, where people would first see Rhodes Stadium and Lake Mary Nell.

The second possibility will be entering on Powerline Road/O’Kelly Avenue, passing by the new Koury Business Center, the back of Belk Library and the McMichael science building.

Whittington said that coming from the west on Haggard Avenue by way of the future intersection would not be as attractive as the other two options.

Traffic circulation around campus and in the surrounding areas should improve as a result of the new roads, according to Whittington. He said that students will not have to sue shortcuts through neighborhoods as often as they do now.

“Looking at how these developments will help the traffic flow and allow easier access to the interstate, it has cause d us to look at the development more intensely around the campus,” said Whittington. “We are looking into the future of our transportation and asking question about what needs to be improved.”