Ball State University reopened McKinley Avenue to unveil a new wrought iron gated entrance, duck pond and bridge. Sometime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, the street was reopened to traffic, Jim Lowe, director of engineering and operations, said.
"We had communicated that McKinley would be closed until Monday morning," he said, "but the contract was written in such a way that the contractor had until Aug. 11 at midnight. Fortunately, it all came together as planned, and we were able to reopen the street."
Lowe said the biggest problem faced this summer was the rain.
"Looking back last summer, I believe we had less than half a doezen rainfall events," he said.
But this year, the workers weren't so lucky.
"From May through, I'd estimate we had somewhere between 40 and 45 days of rain," he said. "Although the contractors worked through it, it made the whole process a little cumbersome because of the muddy conditions."
Lowe said it seemed as if the project stayed close to budget, which was $3.4 million dollars. The exact cost, however, won't be known for another two or three weeks because the contractor is checking into the exact amount of material used to make sure everything adds up, he said.
The project included the creation of a bridge that spans between the old Duck Pond and the new pond built this summer. A median was also installed, along with major landscaping.
"When you add up the parts, the sum is just fantastic," Lowe said. "Coming in now off of Bethel [Avenue] is just magnificent. You know you're at Ball State University."
Lowe said he is already preparing for the next phase of the project, which now seems as if it will span four years, as opposed to the original three.
"Phase three at this point in time is appearing to be addressing the underground utilities - an infrastructure project," he said.
It is difficult to work on utilities while also working on landscape and resurfacing projects, Lowe said, so the last part of the project will most likely be split into two separate phases.
"You literally chew up your time doing the infrastructure," he said.
Phase three could include renovation of the steam and chilled water pipes and the underground electrical wires and tunnels.
Lowe said the university must submit plans by the end of November so that the construction bidding can be taken care of before May 5, when construction will begin again.
For now, Lowe said he enjoys the atmosphere of the newly completed section.
"I find the area that's been created by phase two is the relaxing part of campus," he said. "I hope students and faculty will go out and just sit and relax."
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