Tarleton facilities planning officials are gearing up for a major construction project that will transform the western edge of the Stephenville campus-the Rome Street Redevelopment project. But, they warned, the redevelopment will cause disruptions in parking and traffic for several months.

“The Rome street project, once completed, will provide a beautiful new gateway to the campus,” said Joe Standridge, associate vice president for physical facilities. “With the new Welcome Center on the east side and Rome street on the west, visitors to Tarleton will be greeted by distinctive and pleasing architecture and landscaping.”

Construction on the project will begin in June and is expected to be completed by October or possibly November. It will shut down Rome street from Frey street on the north to Sloan street on the south. The design by Randall Scott Architects calls for widening the street, sidewalks, a dedicated bike path, benches and extensive landscaping. Also, the plan takes into account any future growth to the west with infrastructure improvements, including storm drainage, sewer lines and underground utilities.

Standridge said the project would likely begin on the south end of the street near Wisdom Gym and work its way north.

Parking lots P21 and P26 will be closed for a portion of the construction period. The University Police Department is developing temporary parking locations for those affected, Standridge said, but the aim is to have the lots reopened by the beginning of the fall semester.

There will be periodic access points for pedestrians from the east side of Rome to Memorial Stadium, the Rec Sports Center and practice fields on the west side of the street.

The Office of Physical Facilities plans to post weekly updates on the redevelopment of the street in the Spotlight section on the main Tarleton home page, www.tarleton.edu.

The estimated $2.4 million project is utilizing Permanent University Funds that can only be used for construction.

Any questions or concerns on the Rome Street Redevelopment project should be directed to Joe Standridge, 254-968-9065, or [email protected].