Infrastructure and campus renovation projects for winter 2023

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Infrastructure and campus renovation projects for winter 2023

As the pace of campus life briefly slows over winter break, work on some construction, facilities and landscaping projects will resume.

The work, organized by Duke Facilities Management, may require some modifications to vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow in the areas surrounding Abell Quad, Duke University Chapel, Duke Living Center and Campus Drive.

Here’s a look at some of the major projects that will be implemented over the next few months.

ABELE Quad Landscape Renewal

Workers install new limestone steps and bluestone pavers near Duke University Chapel. Photography by Brandon Peltz.

What is happening: The multi-faceted landscape renovation of the Abele Quad is almost complete. The project began in March and has seen the core of West Campus receive upgraded bluestone sidewalks, a repaved bus circle and additional crosswalks. In the final stages of the project, new bluestone pavers and limestone steps will be laid near Duke Chapel and new sod will be installed on the Residential Quad and near Duke Chapel.

what are you expecting: Pedestrian traffic will be redirected around construction sites in the heart of Abele Quad and near Duke Chapel. The stretch of Chapel Drive to West Campus will remain restricted to buses and emergency vehicles.

Expected completion: Work on the Abele Quad project is scheduled to be completed in early January 2024.

Duke Life Facilities Business Center

Utility work will temporarily close the Morreene Road entrance to the Duke Center for Living. Photography by Brandon Peltz.

What is happening: A new conduit bank — an underground concrete conduit — is being built to carry the cables connecting the Duke Dialysis Center on the Duke Living Center campus to Duke’s high-voltage electrical system. The work will require excavation and repaving a portion of Center for Living Drive and the parking lot for the Duke Dialysis Center.

what are you expecting: The Morreene Road entrance to the Duke Center for Living will be closed from November 27 to January 2, 2024. Those needing access to the Duke Dialysis Center can access the Center for Living Drive via Erwin Road.

Expected completion: While the Moraine Road entrance to Center for Living Drive will reopen on January 2, 2024, the entire project will be completed in February 2024.

Mary Lou Williams Center renewal

The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture will return to its headquarters in the Flowers Building in early 2024. Photo by Brandon Peltz.

What is happening: Flooded when a pipe burst in 2022, the Mary Lou Williams Black Cultural Center space in the Flower Building was in need of major repairs and renovations. When the project is completed, the center will have a more open and airy feel and will be more suitable for exhibitions and performances.

what are you expecting: The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture will remain in its temporary home in the Bryan Center until the project is completed.

Expected completion: The renovation is expected to be completed in January 2024.

Nasher Museum of Art Chilled water system

Work to connect the Nasher Museum to the chilled water loop that runs under Campus Drive will be completed in early January. Photography by Stephen Schramm.

What is happening: The Nasher Museum of Art is connected to Duke University’s campus-wide chilled water system, giving the building a more efficient and reliable way to stay cool.

what are you expecting: While the museum remains open and parking is available in the parking lot, a small number of parking spaces will be unavailable.

Expected completion: Work on the project will be completed in late February 2024.

Freeman Center for Jewish Life Chilled water system

Campus Drive near the Freeman Center for Jewish Life will be closed for a week in early January. Photography by Brandon Peltz.

What is happening: The Freeman Center for Jewish Life is connected to Duke’s chilled water system, allowing for more efficient cooling of the facility. In order to connect the building to the chilled water system, the lines must be connected to the East Campus chilled water loop that runs down Campus Drive. The work, which will begin Dec. 1, will require excavation and repaving a portion of Campus Drive near the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.

what are you expecting: Work on the project is scheduled to begin in December. Campus Drive will be closed to traffic from January 2 to January 9, 2024. Traffic between East Campus and West Campus will need to use Main Street and Swift Avenue.

Expected completion: While Campus Drive is expected to reopen to traffic on January 9, 2024, work on the project is expected to be completed in February 2024.

Science engine Replace the capacitor line

Traffic on part of Science Drive will be limited at times in early 2024. Photo by Brandon Peltz.

What is happening: The pipes carrying water from Duke’s steam system will be replaced. Because the pipes are buried several feet under Science Drive, portions of the road will need to be excavated and then repaved.

what are you expecting: Beginning in mid-January 2024, traffic will be limited to one lane at times along Science Drive between the Biosciences Building and the entrance to the Bryan Center parking garage.

Expected completion: The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2024.

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