By Abby Rathburn
I’m rarely over on the south side of campus by the Speed School of Engineering. However, as a Louisville driver, I’m annoyed by the construction. I understand the need for road work, especially when the Eastern Parkway overpass is listed as one of the ten least structurally-sound in the state. On that note, who thought it was a good idea to set up the project right as school gets into full swing, and as the weather begins to turn from bad to worse? Let’s face it: There seems to be no good time in which to do construction work in Louisville, whether it is hurricanes in the fall, ice storms in the winter or flash flooding all year long. But it seems logical to do it when the conditions are the best. As in, not now.
Whether or not you agree with the stimulus plan, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or whether or not you think it is working effectively, I can attest by the number of road signs that it definitely has had an effect. The sign on the newly-renovated ramp to I-65 states these projects were paid for by the stimulus plan. Being able to legally turn onto I-65 North after getting a Big Mac at McDonald’s is definitely an improvement, but the hindrance in getting to that point is awful. There should have been more coordinating with the University of Louisville, and greater concern for the students. If nothing else, a greater concern for fans attempting to get to the games.
The timeline for the completion of both phases of the Eastern Parkway project states that the construction will be finished by the end of the calendar year. However, there is no incentive for the job to be completed prior to that date. I will not be a bit surprised if I do not see a paved, lined until I get back from winter break. Does this mean that it may be snowing and they will still be working? I highly doubt it. Will they have to wait until the weather clears up, and work on it during the spring too?
In addition, what was the point of ripping up the tunnel that connects the Speed School side of Eastern Parkway to the Natural Sciences Building side of the street? It’s like U of L’s personal Grand Canyon, without the pretty sunsets. Would it not have been easier to get the engineering students to reinforce the tunnel and install better lights? It would have been a learning experience for the students, cheaper for the university and easier for the construction crews.
I am all about improving the university and the surrounding areas, but it would have been wise to put more time and effort into planning the work, specifically in avoiding the school year. But who really ever wanted to drive on Eastern Parkway anyway?
