Construction to disrupt parking, traffic through 2014

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Seven construction projects underway in the west Cadet Area will limit access to Arnold Hall and the Arnold and Harmon Hall parking lots for the next two years.

The projects include repairs on the Terrazzo, granite wall in Harmon Hall, Arnold and Harmon Hall roofs and construction of the new Center for Character and Leadership Development building through October 2014.

Construction on the Terrazzo began in October 2011 and work on the wall began this September, causing restricted access on the grass and all sides of Arnold Hall on the Terrazzo level. Fifteen spots in the Arnold Hall parking lot have been reserved due to construction.

"The construction crew is using visitor and vacant spots in the far west parking lot," said Sandee Miller, construction manager for CH2M Hill Academy Services. "The north Arnold parking lot is not affected, except with construction materials that are currently stored there. Cadet parking is being eliminated in these spots to ensure enough parking for others."

Construction on the Harmon Hall roof began in November, and work on the Arnold Hall roof began this month. Miller said the crane being used for the project requires the northwest stairs and sidewalk to be closed.

"The contractor is currently installing scaffold above the ceiling in order to install safety anchors on the roof," Miller said. "Once the safety anchors are complete, roofing will occur."

Construction for the Center for Character and Leadership Development will begin in January, closing the northwest Vandenberg parking lot, restricting access to the east side of Arnold Hall and increasing the amount of cars in the outer Harmon Hall parking lot.

"Parking north of the building will not be affected by CCLD construction," Miller said. "Access will be only from the west, so pedestrians will have to walk around to those doors."

Phase nine construction of Vandenberg Hall will also begin January and restrict access to the west doors of Arnold Hall. Construction to repair the Chapel Buttresses is scheduled to begin next summer.

Miller said the most important thing for people to remember during the construction is to read the signs and follow the directions on the signs to ensure they stay out of the construction zone.

"We can't stress enough that people need to stay out of the construction area for their safety," Miller said. "Plan ahead, knowing that the construction is ongoing."