Extension of University Loop will improve campus access and traffic flow
Construction of an extension to University Loop on the west side of the Arkansas State University campus is now underway, announced Dr. Len Frey, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration.
The extension, from University Loop to Aggie Road, should significantly improve access to campus parking and make traffic flow on that side of campus much more convenient, Frey added.
The temporary road is expected to be completed by the middle of August in time for the beginning of the fall semester. The first day of classes will be Monday, Aug. 20.
“We are going forward with construction of a temporary road extension to provide more convenient access for students, faculty, staff and the public,” Dr. Frey explained. “Parking lots and campus buildings in the southwest portion of the campus will be much more accessible until the permanent road extension can be completed.”
Construction of the temporary extension includes building a section of roadway from University Loop, south of the Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences Building, to Faculty Circle, which intersects with Aggie Road, west of the Armory.
After the Marion Berry Parkway opened late last year, the university followed through on agreements with the railroads to close Caraway Road between University Loop and Matthews Ave. That portion of Caraway Road included two railway crossings.
A permanent road extension between University Loop and Aggie Road has been designed and is currently being reviewed by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and the Federal Highway Administration. The review, site preparation and subsequent construction is expected to take at least two years, so the extension will provide a beneficial alternative in the meantime.
