Recent construction projects at VCU are creating annoyances for students as streets are closed and traffic is rerouted on campus.
Multiple construction projects are cluttering the Monroe Park campus with traffic obstacles, while not giving students much warning.
Dan Cosgrove, the director of construction management at VCU, said although there are many construction projects, many of them are not VCU-related.
The construction on Cathedral Place, across from Shafer Court, is a project sponsored by the city of Richmond, while the construction between the University Student Commons and Richmond Landmark Theater is a privately run theater addition.
Cary Street Recreation Complex, one of the biggest renovations on the Monroe Park campus, is expected to open in spring 2010, according to the VCU Facilities Management Web site.
Safety is a concern for students and commuters, especially with the abundance of construction on such high-traffic streets.
Cpl. Jim DeFord, a VCU police officer, said although many methods of warning might not be utilized, sometimes just being aware of one’s surroundings can keep students and commuters safe.
“Safety is personal awareness. If you have in your ear buds and (you are) texting, not only are you in danger from construction, but you become a target for crime,” DeFord said.
Cosgrove recommended obeying construction warning signs.
“Fences are there to keep you safe,” Cosgrove said. “I had a student jump over a fence and try to climb on a construction crane. As long as you use your common sense, you should be OK.”