$727K walkway between Neuberger, SMSU to open at the end of the month

Students’ route to classes will get a little easier as construction on the walkway between Neuberger Hall and the Smith Memorial Student Union wraps up at the end of this month.

Because of construction, many students have had to alter their routes to and from classes.

“It has been an inconvenience, and I think they should have completed it before school started,” said graduate student Kapil Desal.

According to Robyn Pierce, director for the PSU Facilities and Planning department, construction on the walkway, which began in September, was delayed due to bids coming in significantly over budget.”Bids were coming in 30 to 50 percent over our budget,” Pierce said.

Pierce attributed the high bids to contractors who may have been facing dwindling projects due to the slumping economy.

“The bids we received were from small contractors, and they were coming in up to $500,000 over budget,” Pierce said.

Pierce noted that other universities around the state were receiving similarly high bids on comparable mid-range projects, which are generally considered to be between $400,000 and $1.2 million.

The project, which has a total cost of $727,000, will end up being completed on budget, said project manager Kate Vance.

The project includes $567,000 of general contractor costs, as well as fees for permits, project management, landscaping and architecture costs.

Vance stated that due to the high bids, certain materials and design elements had to be altered to accommodate the budget. Using cast-in-place concrete instead of pavers saved the university about $225,000.

The installation of two benches were also omitted to save cost, as well as swapping stainless steel handrails for a substitute material that will be painted. The floor coating on the second level bridge connecting the two buildings was also changed.

Even though many construction elements had to be modified due to costs, Pierce said that when complete, the walkway will achieve its purpose of being safer, more accessible and aesthetically pleasing.

Pierce said that the old concrete was in disrepair, causing accessibility problems for students with disabilities. Lighting will also be improved, and along with the increased openness, Pierce said the walkway will be safer and more visually attractive.

Pierce also noted that the new construction will improve drainage between the two buildings. Pierce said that the walkway will be accessible for students to use beginning Oct. 31. Afterwards, PSU maintenance crews will complete the finishing details, such as landscaping, while the walkway is open to students.