The Oakland Post

Please plan, be patient while construction ends

By John Beaghan
Posted: Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 9:36 pm | Last Updated: Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 9:37 pm Comments Print This Email This Tweet This Delicious

The beginning of any new school year is a busy and exciting, but occasionally frustrating, time.

In light of temporary inconveniences associated with the Squirrel Road and campus construction projects, we expect that the start of the 2010-11 academic year will be no different.

With this in mind, it may be helpful to remember to plan extra time for daily commutes to and from campus this year — particularly in the early part of the fall semester.

A little extra patience will go a long way to reduce stress and anxiety for everyone on campus.

This being said, we have quite a bit of good news to consider.

All of OU’s parking improvement projects will be completed before classes start on Thursday, Sept. 2. Between permanent additions and temporary parking arrangements, there will be a net increase of more than 700 spaces compared to last fall.

As always, there will be competition for the most convenient spots, but drivers should look to the lots on the south side of Pioneer Drive (P-37 and the newly constructed P-35), the parking structure and the Upper Fields lot (P-11) for the greatest likelihood of finding open spaces.

The brand new sidewalk along Ravine Drive will make P-11 more convenient and accessible.  Drivers are encouraged not to leave spots during peak business hours in hopes of finding a closer or more convenient space.

Another piece of good news is that all university construction projects are on schedule and on budget.

Progress on the Squirrel Road project (managed by the City of Auburn Hills) will result in a complete opening of the roadway between Pioneer Drive and Walton Blvd. This will allow for the added convenience of two exit lanes onto Squirrel Road from both Pioneer Drive and the main campus parking lot (P-1).

Construction on Squirrel Road south of Pioneer is expected to keep that stretch of roadway closed well into the fall semester. As such, commuters using westbound M-59 to get to campus are advised to use the Adams Road exit and enter campus at Meadow Brook Road. Eastbound M-59 commuters are advised to merge onto I-75 north and exit at University Drive.
Once on campus, taking advantage of a few tips regarding traffic and parking will help ease potential frustration for the entire community.

Drivers should:

- Tune in to campus radio, 88.3 WXOU-FM, for parking updates

- Follow traffic and parking signs posted throughout the campus

- Save time by proceeding to lots most likely to have available parking (P-11, P-35, P-37)

- Avoid illegal parking, as the OUPD will enforce parking restrictions to ensure safety
A great deal of planning has gone into making the start of the coming academic year as stress free as possible. Many university employees and students will be on hand to help direct newcomers to classrooms and offices during the first week of classes.

With a little planning and patience, we all can look forward to another great year at Oakland University.

Editor’s note: For any concerns regarding parking or construction, please contact John Beaghan at beaghan@oakland.edu.