A flurry of construction activity is under way at the intersection of 45th Street and Dewey Avenue (Durham Research Plaza).
Construction crews are working to modify existing utilities to the north of the Durham Research Center to serve the new Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center facility as well as the campus infrastructure. Utility installations include chilled water, steam, storm and sanitary sewer lines.
In addition, a pedestrian tunnel will be constructed below grade to connect DRC to the new Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center facility.
After considering various scenarios and charting potential outcomes, the project team determined closing the street and adjacent walkways during the work was the safest, most efficient option.
Work extends from the intersection westward to Saddle Creek Road and south to Emile Street and will require drilling and excavation, which may cause intermittent periods of increased noise and vibration.
The project team is taking precautions to ensure business continuity within DRC and DRC II buildings. Provisions include work schedule coordination to limit impact to building occupants, construction of concrete forms to reduce the noise associated with connections to exterior foundation walls, and idle free construction traffic zones to mitigate air pollution.
Work is expected to continue through fall.