Billy Findley, copy editor
Bryan students may notice a slight alteration in scenery this semester as construction on Bryan’s new entrance has made significant headway since the close of spring semester this year. Where there once was nothing but trees, grass and gravel is now a full fledged construction sight, as the entrance that faculty and staff have dreamed of so long is being willed into reality.
However, before the administration has a chance to relish the excitement, they will have to face the challenges of completing the massive endeavor in the midst of difficult economic times. They might also face a few unexpected changes in plans.
According to Bryan College President Dr. Stephen Livesay, the project might not be finished until sometime next summer.
“At the time we planned the roadway, we did not anticipate having the softball program, so the design and preparation for the softball field has changed the look and timetable for finishing the project,” Livesay said.
According to Livesay and Vice President of Operations Tim Hostetler, preparation is currently being made to clear trees, widen the roadway and install an eight-inch sewer pipe that will run some 1800 feet under the road.
“As with all construction, until you actually begin the work, you do not realize many of the challenges and opportunities,” Livesay says.
“We are trying to do as much site work for the facilities of Vision 2020 that we possible can so that we do not have to redo the initial work for the roadway.”
According to Livesay and Hostetler, as challenging as construction can be, paying for such an operation in the midst of turbulent economic times is also rather intricate. Both say that with engineering costs, property acquisition, construction and other factors weighed in, the project will cost a total of $2 million, double the initial projection.
“We are paying all of our costs as we go so the construction will be completely paid for when it is finished,” Livesay said.
Both Hostetler and Livesay agree that the benefits of the new entrance will outweigh the difficulties in. finishing construction.
“The roadway opens up the north and west side of campus, enabling us to prepare many of the facilities that are a necessary part of our growth and achieving the goals of Vision 2020,” Livesay said.
According to Livesay, the entrance will make for a safer as well as a much more inviting approach to campus. It also increases the visibility of the campus, especially since over four times as many vehicles travel U.S. Highway 27 compared to state Highway 30. Livesay is adamant that first impressions are imperative and says he is excited that the entrance will provide a striking introduction to the campus.
“So many people have prayed for so many years that God would enable us to prepare this new primary entrance to campus,” Livesay said. “Isn’t it like our God to enable us to move forward with this dream during such economic times?”
According to Hostetler and Livesay, there still is no definitive date as to when the project will be completed.