Phase 2 of Improvement Project is Underway

Phase two, the remaining half of construction part of the Summit Street Improvement Project, began March 7th. During phase two there is expected to be major changes not only Summit Street, but its neighboring streets, as well.

Michael Bruder, Executive Director of the Office of the University Architect, explained in depth the goals for phase two and how those goals will directly benefit anyone who frequents these roads.

“There are a number of exciting things coming out of Phase two,” Bruder said. “There will be sidewalks that travel the entire length of the road, and that’s one thing were really excited about. There’s also going to be new bike lane on Summit and a second roundabout is being built.”

The Summit street improvement project is a program aimed at the reconstruction of a 1-mile stretch of roadway between Loop road and Lincoln Street. Phase 1 of this project has wrapped up, but there is still much to do with phase two.

Bruder said the road is designed to work with two roundabouts present, so the fact that only one is finished makes traveling the road a bit awkward.

“Statistically, roundabouts are more safe than a four way intersection,” Bruder said. “So not only will these roundabouts increase the flow of traffic, but they’ll also reduce the risk of accidents.”

Students and community members who travel summit on a regular basis are advised to add a couple of minutes to their commute travel time due to the construction.

Andrew Rossman, a senior political science major, often finds himself caught in the traffic from Summit Street.

“Rush hour was bad at the intersection before, but it is a nightmare now, Rossman said. “Especially when we have two or three pieces of heavy machinery blocking the way. I’ve been late to class on multiple occasions this semester because of difficulty with traffic at the Summit and Lincoln intersection.”

Phase two is split into two parts, a western half and an eastern half. The first section of construction will be the western half that is sectioned between Willow Street and Morris Street. This section is expected to be completed around May of 2017. Upon completion, the construction of the eastern half will begin. This section runs from the center of campus to the Schwartz center.

To stay updated on the progress being made, please visit: https://www.kent.edu/summitstreet

Aaron- shot video and interviewed Rossman

Keisha- Interviewed Bruder, audio for interview, wrote the story

Kayla- edited video