Lately, Ferst Drive seems to be one construction zone after another. This is because several campus improvements are happening simultaneously for the Ferst Drive Realignment and Cycle Track project. 

Beginning March 18, both lanes of Ferst Drive between Fowler and State Streets will be closed to through traffic until March 22. Work will take place to construct a raised crosswalk at the curve in the road near the Klaus Advanced Computing Building. Installation of a raised crosswalk here is meant to improve safety in an area where pedestrians frequently cross. A map of the suggested detour route is included, and digital and street signage is in place for additional safety measures. 

Continuing west on Ferst Drive toward the Campus Recreation Center, the road is marked with orange barriers in preparation for the Cycle Track project's ongoing work. 

Additionally, there are many other construction projects in progress affecting campus sidewalks, traffic lanes, and parking: 

• Tech Parkway – partial road closure near the John Lewis Student Center for site preparation for three new vehicular and pedestrian crossings from Tech Parkway to Ferst Drive. 

• Techwood Drive between North Avenue and Bobby Dodd Way – sidewalk and daily partial southbound lane closures in preparation for the demolition of the Edge Rice Building to make way for the new Student Athlete Performance Center. 

• Third Street – sidewalk and lane closures, as part of the East Campus Streetscape Improvement project, in preparation for the eventual opening of the Third Street Tunnel. This portion of work, while not fully complete, will be open to pedestrians and vehicular traffic soon. 

• Techwood Drive north of Bobby Dodd Way  – work continues north along the east side of the street, as part of the East Campus Streetscape project, to improve sidewalks, install a cycle track, and replace existing parking along the east side. Bus stops will be relocated temporarily to provide access while the area is under construction.  

• Bobby Dodd Way – sidewalk closure for construction of the Student Athlete Performance Center and for chilled water line distribution improvements. Both sides of the road are being affected — from the Library to Fowler Street. Plans are being developed to ensure that access requirements are maintained. 

• DM Smith Renovation – Power Plant Drive, Bobby Dodd Way, and Cherry Street are all being affected. 

• Fifth Street – ongoing sidewalk, bike lane, and traffic lane closures for Tech Square Phase 3 construction. 

• Corner of 10th Street and Northside Drive – construction of a multiuse path and sidewalks to improve access, safety, and visibility at the northeast corner of campus. This path will also provide a safe pedestrian connection to the new residence hall planned in this area.  

• Human Resources/Administrative Services Center (parking lot) - improvements to landscape, hardscape, and parking along Means Street. This project is part of a larger vision to eventually connect the Ferst Drive Cycle track to the Beltline Spur. The Administrative Services Center parking lot is being reconfigured to increase efficiency, involving the removal of the small lot south of the HR building. This also allows for the removal of impervious surfaces and creation of a bioretention area as part of the campus stormwater management goals.  

• Chilled Water Planned Outage - includes excavation of various campus areas to make improvements to the campus distribution system. 

• Electrical improvements continue to the Van Leer Building. 

The Institute appreciates your understanding and advises caution while walking, cycling, or driving, as campus improvements continue for the Georgia Tech community.