Beginning May 15, Lowry Mall will be under construction to repair the steam tunnels beneath it.
Mark Yount, a media producer for MU Operations, said the current steam tunnels beneath the mall date back to 1923.
The construction is being done in two parts, with the Hitt Street side being dug up first. The first half of the project is scheduled to be completed in October 2017, and the second half is scheduled to be completed in March 2018. A walkway will remain open so pedestrians can still cross through the mall.
Because the steam tunnels run under sections of Hitt and Ninth streets, students can expect changes in their commute.
“Right now, they don’t know if they’re going to do one-way traffic on Hitt or if both lanes of traffic will be open,” said Karlan Seville, communications manager for the Division of Operations. “And then when they get to Ninth Street, that will close completely, but that’s closed campus anyways during the day.”
Since the construction is being done in halves, student groups will still be able to hold activities on the mall.
“Lowry Mall will continue to be open to campus activities during the entire project,” MU spokesman Christian Basi said in an email. “While portions may be restricted due to the project, the Mall will remain open.”
However, some organizations that require more space than half of Lowry Mall may change location.
“The location for next year’s Campus Farmers Markets is to be determined,” Environmental Leadership Office advisor Amy Eultgen said in an email. “We are working with the reservations team to figure out a location that best suits our vendors.”
Vehicle traffic has been kept off the mall for the past three and a half years to prevent further damage to the tunnels. After construction is completed, maintenance and groundskeeping will be able to drive on the mall again.
_Edited by Kyle LaHucik | klahucik@themaneater.com_