Major Improvements to Bishop’s University Main Vehicle Entrance

Sherbrooke, April 23, 2024 – Bishop’s University will begin renovations to its main entrance (Coulter Field entrance) as of May 1^st to upgrade underground infrastructure networks. The addition of pedestrian walkways, new street lighting, the correction of a dip in the road which is covered during floods, and roadside tree planting are also planned to refurbish the area. Construction work is anticipated to be completed by mid-August 2024.

During construction, the main entrance (Coulter Field entrance) will be closed to all traffic. Students, faculty, staff and visitors of Bishop’s University and Champlain College arriving by car will be able access campus using the new East Entrance.

The project consists of replacing the waste pump station at Dewhurst Dining Hall to install a new gravity flow sewer line which will be built under the road from the main entrance to Dewhurst Dining Hall.

Excavation work between five and seven meters will be required to access the underground pipes. To ensure ongoing campus activities throughout the duration of the work, special measures are planned to reduce the quantity and duration of shutdowns for several services. Secure walkways will be installed to protect pedestrians. Safeguards will be put in place to protect nearby trees. However, the trees directly in the path of infrastructure work will either be relocated or cut down; this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. As always, trees that are cut down will be replaced on a ratio of 2 to 1 with new trees carefully selected to increase biodiversity in accordance with the latest Campus Master Plan.

Dewhurst Dining Hall and the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre will remain open throughout the summer.

The ‘P1’ parking lot near the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre will be closed for the duration of the construction work.

BU MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES

The construction project is largely located in Bishop’s main entrance. It is an opportunity to add various features recommended in the Campus Master Plan:

• Carry out important infrastructure upgrades;
• Integrate signature lighting across campus (from the main entrance to Paterson Residence and also leading to Dewhurst Dining Hall);
• Improve the site’s main entrance;
• Add plant cover to minimize the visual presence of vehicle traffic and parking;
• Create a safer and comfortable pedestrian network;
• Promote sustainable mobility and optimized waste management;
• Encourage social interactions via pedestrian routes (crossings).

EAST ENTRANCE

• CAMPUS ACCESS: The new East entrance can be accessed via Route 108 from the West (Highway 410) or from the East. There is no double lane on Route 108 at the turn-off for the new entrance, please be vigilant.
• EXITING THE CAMPUS: the right turn (to the East) towards Highway 410 is MANDATORY. No left turns are permitted. Motorists wishing to head towards the borough of Lennoxville (West) must go to the roundabout on Highway 410 and return West on Route 108.
• The East entrance is prohibited for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The lane is equipped with 4 speed bumps to encourage users to reduce their speed, especially when approaching the pedestrian crossing between the ‘P2’ parking lot and the back of the Sports Centre. The speed limit has been set at 30 km/h. The speed limit on campus is 20 km/h.
• Built in a flood zone, the double track has a width of 6.6 meters, which is the maximum allowed. The profile of the track is a succession of tops and bottoms to ensure the flow of water through the chutes placed on each side of the track.
• A pedestrian walkway linking parking lot ‘P2’ to parking lot ‘P1’ and/or Coulter Field has also been added behind the Sports Centre.

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MEDIA REQUESTS:

Sonia Patenaude, Communications Manager – Bishop’s University

819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca