UPDATE (4/13/18 at 1 p.m.): Road closures will begin on April 16, Clemson University officials announced Friday. This story has been updated to reflect the changes in dates and includes additional graphics provided by the university.
Drivers in Clemson can expect road closures and delays over the coming months as construction crews upgrade utility systems serving Clemson University’s main campus.
Beginning April 16, portions of Highway 93 will be closed for utility construction. The closures will last through the summer.
Tony Putnam, Director of Clemson University’s Campus Utility Services, said that the work will be completed during the summer because there is less traffic. Clemson hopes to have the work completed before football season and the start of fall semester in August.
“We ask that people be patient during these projects and use Perimeter Road and other routes to avoid the construction zone,” Putnam said. “Please also drive slowly through construction zones so workers will be safe.”
What does the timeline look like?
Highway 93 will be closed in phases. Here’s a detailed look at each phase:
Phase One:
The first phase will begin on April 16 and will last through May 12; it’ll affect the portion of Highway 93 between Cherry Road (near the President’s House) and Calhoun Drive (near Sikes Hall). During this phase, Highway 93 will be reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane for eastbound traffic and one lane for westbound traffic.
Barricades will be placed along Highway 93 to guide drivers. These barricades will begin at the intersection of Cherry Road and Parkway Drive, continue north to Highway 93 and then continue west along Highway 93 to Sherman Drive.
As manholes are installed to access utilities below the ground, there will be additional lane closures. Flagmen will be present during in the area to direct two-way traffic.
Phase Two:
The second phase is expected to take place in the middle of May. During this phase, Highway 93 will be closed from Cherry Road to College Avenue. Access will be limited to construction crews, emergency vehicles and local residents who need access to residences along Daniel Drive.
Phase Three (Final Phase):
The final phase is expected to take place in mid- to late July. During this time, Highway 93 will be closed from College Avenue to Williamson Road. One lane will remain open for westbound traffic only; the other three lanes will be closed.
What roads should I use instead of Highway 93?
Clemson University officials are urging drivers to use Perimeter Road in order to travel to and around campus. The speed limit on Perimeter Road has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph to accommodate the increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic. New speed limit signs have been installed along the road.
Those who need to travel to downtown Clemson should use Highway 123.
University officials say that detour signs, electronic message boards and smartphone GPS apps will be changed to alert drivers. In addition, pedestrians should follow the directions on detour signs placed around the construction zones.
Why are these road closures needed?
Clemson officials say that the closures will allow for upgrades to the university’s electrical infrastructure and chilled water lines. Much of campus’ underground utility infrastructure dates back to the 1960s, and the upgrades are needed to serve current and future utility demands.
What’ll happen if Clemson gets behind schedule?
The goal is to have construction completed before football season and the start of the fall semester. However, it’s possible that construction could be delayed due to weather and unforeseen factors. If this happens, crews will temporarily open all lanes on football Saturdays.
Where will updates be posted?
The Tiger will post updates on its website and social media channels as they are received.
Updates will also be posted on the Clemson University Facilities blog and Clemson University Parking and Transportation Services website.
Information regarding CATbus detours can be found on the CATbus Facebook page and Twitter.
