Campus Infrastructure and Renovation Projects for Winter 2023

Utility projects will close Campus Drive briefly and temporarily limit flow on Science Drive

With the pace of campus life slowing down briefly during winter break, work will pick up on some building, utility and landscaping projects.

The work, which is organized by , may require some adjustments to the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in areas around Abele Quad, ��ţӰ�� Chapel, the Duke Center for Living and Campus Drive.

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

ABELE QUAD LANDSCAPE RENOVATION

Workers install new limestone steps and bluestone pavers near ��ţӰ�� Chapel. Photo by Brandon Bieltz.

What’s happening: The multi-faceted landscape renovation of Abele Quad is nearly complete. The project began in March and saw the heart of West Campus receive upgraded bluestone sidewalks, a repaved bus circle and added crosswalks. In the final phases of the project, new bluestone pavers and limestone steps will be placed near Duke Chapel and new sod will be installed on the Residential Quad and near Duke Chapel.

What to expect: Pedestrian traffic will be rerouted around construction sites in the heart of Abele Quad and near Duke Chapel. The stretch of Chapel Drive which heads into West Campus will remain limited to buses and emergency vehicles.

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

DUKE CENTER FOR LIVING UTILITY WORK

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

What’s happening: A new duct bank – an underground concrete passageway – is being built to hold the cables connecting the Duke Dialysis Center at the Duke Center for Living campus to Duke’s high voltage electrical system. The work will require excavating and repaving part of Center for Living Drive and the parking lot for the Duke Dialysis Center.

What to expect: The Morreene Road entrance to the will be closed from November 27 to Jan. 2, 2024. Those needing access to the Duke Dialysis Center can get to Center for Living Drive via Erwin Road.

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

MARY LOU WILLIAMS CENTER RENOVATION

The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture will move back into its Flowers Building home in early 2024. Photo by Brandon Bieltz.

What’s happening: Flooded when a pipe burst in 2022, the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture’s space in the Flowers Building needed significant repairs and renovation. When the project is complete, the center will have a more open, airy feel and be better suited for exhibits and performances.

What to expect: The will remain in its temporary Bryan Center home until the project is complete.

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

WILSON RECREATION CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT

Wilson Recreation Center's roof will be replaced over the next several weeks. Photo courtesy of University Marketing & Communications.

What’s happening: The roof of on West Campus is being replaced.

What to expect: To allow for the work to be done, the first floor cardio and weight rooms will be closed until Monday, November 27. After that, the upper floor, Red Mango Café, offices, and multi-purpose rooms A and B will be closed until the project is complete. And in December, the basketball courts will be closed at times. Find the latest

Expected completion: The work will be wrapping up around the end of December.

NASHER MUSEUM OF ART CHILLED WATER SYSTEM

The work of connecting the Nasher Museum to the chilled water loop which runs beneath Campus Drive will be finished in early January. Photo by Stephen Schramm.

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

What to expect: While the museum remains open and parking is available in the lot, a small number of parking spaces will be unavailable.

Expected completion: Work on the project will be complete 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. Photo by Brandon Bieltz.

What’s happening: The is being connected to Duke’s chilled water system, allowing for more efficient cooling for the facility. In order to connect the building to the chilled water system, lines will need to be connected with the East Campus chilled water loop which runs beneath Campus Drive. The work, which will begin December 1, will require excavating and repaving part of Campus Drive near the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.

What to expect: Work on the project is slated to begin in December. Campus Drive will be closed to traffic from January 2 to Jan. 9, 2024. Traffic moving between East Campus and West Campus will need to use Main Street and Swift Avenue.

Expected completion: While Campus Drive is expected to be reopened to traffic on Jan. 9, 2024, work on the project is expected wrap up in February 2024.

SCIENCE DRIVE CONDENSATE LINE REPLACEMENT

Traffic on a portion of Science Drive will be limited at times in early 2024. Photo by Brandon Bieltz.

What’s happening: The pipes which carry water from Duke’s steam system will be replaced. Since the pipes are buried several feet beneath Science Drive, it will require excavating and then repaving sections of roadway.

What to expect: Starting in mid-January 2024, traffic will be limited to one lane at times along Science Drive between the Biological Sciences Building and the entrance to the Bryan Center Parking Garage.

Expected completion: The project should be complete in March 2024.

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