Paving project stops traffic

The City of Memphis began repaving the streets west of campus yesterday, during the week final exams begin, drawing criticism from University of Memphis officials and students about the timing.

The construction work will close several roads between Patterson Street and Highland Avenue until the project is complete Dec. 12, said Pam Cash, The University's facilities project manager.

Although the streets were not scheduled to close, Bruce Harber, director of police services and public safety, said the city would close the streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to keep students and others from parking along the curbs.

Cash said the city notified her about the project Nov. 25.

"Although The University has nothing to do with the scheduling of the road repairs, the contractor definitely could have better addressed the issue of timing, as it falls the same week as exams," she said.

Over the next four days or so, the city will be working on Norriswood, Watauga, Midland and Mynders Avenues, from Patterson to Highland Streets, and Brister Street, from Walker to Watauga Avenues.

Cash said the project was scheduled during finals because asphalt companies could shut down over the holiday season, and The University has been on a waiting list to get the roads repaired for a while.

Harber said in a campus-wide e-mail that The U of M had tried to negotiate with the city but was unable to reschedule the project.

"The University contacted city officials about the possibility of a delay until after the semester break," he said. "However, since the contract had already been issued, the dates could not be adjusted."

Harber's Dec. 1 e-mail was the first students had heard of the paving project.

Senior hospitality and resort management major Allie Hanson said students didn't need another thing to worry about during finals.

"It's completely inconvenient that the roads are closed during finals," she said. "They should wait until students are gone for the break because it won't be so busy around campus. Students are already stressing about exams, and worrying about a place to park is the last thing we want to worry about." 

In the e-mail, Harber said those who violated the temporary no-parking order would be punished.

"Enforcement will be in place during the work, which will include measures up to and including towing," Harber said.

Sophomore double biology and chemistry major Michael Bolin, who lives in the project area, said parking was already a big enough problem on campus without closing the streets.

"I believe that the paving of the streets was done at a horrible time considering that it is finals," Bolin said. "There already is limited parking space on campus, and now there will be even fewer spots available."

Manny Belen, manager of public works with the city, said the contractor for the project, A-PAC Tennessee, Inc., could take longer than five days depending on the weather.

Paving season ends when the weather is too cold, with temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or when snow or ice is present, Belen said.

According to the Weather Channel's forecast, the next three days should see minimum temperatures of 35 F or lower.

If the city doesn't finish the project now, Harber said paving may have to wait until spring of next year or later.

"If (the City of Memphis) doesn't get it done now, there's no guarantee the funding from the city will be there in the future," Harber said. "Once the cold weather hits and paving is no longer possible, it could be April or later before they could get it done."

Harber said that once the repairs are complete, the streets will be safer and the area's appearance will improve.

"The University has been pushing for this project for quite some time," he said.

Sophomore international business major Chase Presson said that repaving the roads is worth the inconvenience.

"I don't have a normal daily routine, but when I wanted to leave my house this morning, it was a pain to get out of the parking lot with the road blocks and construction," Presson said. "I'm just glad the roads are finally getting repaired."