Life Sciences Facility construction update

March 28, 2011

University Relations

Preliminary steps in construction of the new Life Sciences Facility will begin after the groundbreaking ceremony on March 30, 2011.

The Sheenjek parking lot behind Irving I and Irving II will be closed during construction until spring 2014. All vehicles, trailers, etc. need to be removed. Parking will also be unavailable in lot 9F, directly behind Irving I and Irving II, for most of the summer, depending on the construction schedule.

Sheenjek Drive, in front of the BiRD and Virology buildings, is also slated for closure in early April. Access to the parking behind the O’Neill Building and the West Ridge Research Building will be accessible via Tanana Loop, behind the Elvey Building.

Signs will be going up soon to help with wayfinding and detour routes. North Tanana Loop, normally closed, will be open for contractor access only.

There will be some noise associated with the construction. Expect to see and hear loaders, excavators, dump trucks and bulldozers. Associated noise might include back-up alarms, diesel engines, bulldozers, air horns from the dump trucks and similar sounds. There will also be vibration associated with gravel compaction. April will likely be the noisiest month as the West Ridge Greenhouse is disassembled and contractors begin excavation.

In late June a crane will be placed behind Irving I/Irving II, and there will be noise associated with erection of steel superstructures. The construction noise should lessen after the steel is up in September.

If you have any questions, please call Facilities Services at 474-1919, visit the website or the UAF Life Sciences Facebook page for more information.