Comprehensive upgrades planned for Bishop’s University’s main vehicle entrance

This marks the second consecutive year that a defensive back from Bishop’s has been drafted, following Jake Kelly’s selection by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last year, according to a May 1 release.

Bishop’s University (BU) is set to commence a significant renovation project at its main vehicle entrance, located at Coulter Field, starting May 1. The project aims to enhance the university’s infrastructure by upgrading underground utility networks and improving surface features to boost accessibility and aesthetics.

The construction, as stated in an April 23 release, will address several key areas:

- Infrastructure overhaul: The project includes the replacement of an outdated waste pump station near Dewhurst Dining Hall with a new gravity flow sewer line. This line will extend from the main entrance to the dining hall, requiring excavation work between five and seven meters deep to reach and replace the existing pipes.

- Surface improvements: To rectify a recurring issue with flooding, the road at the entrance will be corrected to eliminate a problematic dip. Additional enhancements include the installation of new street lighting and pedestrian walkways, which will improve safety and visibility for both vehicular and foot traffic.

- Environmental considerations: As part of the project, roadside trees that are impacted by the construction will be evaluated individually; those that need to be removed will either be relocated or cut down, adhering to a strict policy of replacing each tree with two new ones to foster greater biodiversity, in line with the university’s latest Campus Master Plan.

- Traffic management: During the renovation period, the main entrance will be closed to all traffic. Alternative access for students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be provided through the newly established East Entrance, which connects to Route 108. Specific traffic regulations, such as mandatory right turns and speed limits, will be enforced to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety.

- Campus access and services: Despite the construction, Dewhurst’s Dining Hall and the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre will remain operational. However, the ‘P1’ parking lot near these facilities will be temporarily closed.

Campus Master Plan integration

The renovation is a part of a broader initiative guided by the Campus Master Plan, which outlines several long-term objectives:

- Upgrading crucial infrastructure to modern standards.

- Introducing signature lighting throughout the campus to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.

- Enhancing the main entrance’s design to better accommodate and manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

- Increasing plant cover to reduce the visual impact of parking areas and traffic.

- Developing a more comprehensive and comfortable pedestrian network to facilitate safer and more engaging social interactions.

- Promoting sustainable practices and efficient waste management solutions.

New East Entrance specifications

The new East Entrance provides vital access and egress options for the campus community:

- It is accessible via Route 108, with specific directions for entering and exiting the campus to streamline traffic and enhance safety.

- The entrance is designed with a double track layout in a flood zone, featuring a series of elevated points and water channels to manage runoff effectively.

- Pedestrian access is prohibited in this zone, which includes several speed bumps and a designated speed limit to ensure pedestrian safety near the adjacent sports facilities.

These enhancements are designed to modernize BU’S facilities and infrastructure, ensuring a safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible campus environment. The expected completion of the construction is mid-august 2024, signaling a short-term inconvenience for a long-term improvement.