There's no getting around it: The upcoming construction season at Cornell University is going to get in just about everybody's way. Added to a full slate of routine maintenance and upgrade projects are the city of Ithaca's Thurston Avenue Bridge rehabilitation, the Life Sciences Technology Building project, the Hoy garage addition and continued construction on West Campus. Break out the sneakers. Hoofing it across campus may be the smartest mode of transport for those not afraid of exercise.

The Thurston Avenue Bridge project in particular takes a busy summer to another level altogether. Approximately 8,500 vehicles cross the bridge daily. During evening rush hour, about 1,020 vehicles, 950 pedestrians and 60 cyclists trek across the bridge each hour. Pedestrian and bicycle counts are even greater in the mornings.

The following FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions -- should address many concerns. If you have a question that isn't answered here, e-mail chronicle@cornell.edu and we will post the answer on Chronicle Online.

Why are all of these projects happening at the same time?
Every year a steady stream of construction projects is scheduled year-round, with more in the warmer months. Capital construction projects tend to run in cycles. At various times the campus experiences growth spurts that coincide with routine maintenance and upgrades. This year is one of them.

Why wasn't there more advance notice about the Thurston Avenue Bridge project?
An article in the Feb. 14 Cornell Chronicle described several upcoming projects and included a map. A lot of planning has gone into the project. The final start date may seem sudden because Cornell representatives were working up to the last minute with the city, the contractor and TCAT to fine-tune various aspects of the project in order to minimize impacts on the Cornell community.

Why not have two-way traffic using a timed light or a flagger?
Initial plans called for just such a system with staggered periods of complete bridge closings. It was estimated that a traffic control device would result in 10-minute delays going each way, meaning a possible 20-minute delay for bus routes. The planned system -- keeping just the southbound lane open -- avoids those delays and keeps the bridge open for longer periods.

How about traffic flow on University and East avenues and Forest Home Drive?
In the initial phase of construction, University Avenue will be completely closed from the Foundry across from Rand Hall to the bridge. It eventually will open to eastbound traffic only. Forest Home Drive from the bridge to Martha Van Rensselaer parking lot will be closed to all but local deliveries and emergency vehicles for the entire project. East Avenue will be closed to northbound traffic from the Reservoir Drive parking entrance to Baker Lab and Clark and Rockefeller Halls.

I park in "A" lot; how will the Thurston Avenue Bridge project affect me?
TCAT is adjusting bus routes affected by the construction. Buses going toward North Campus will travel via West, Stewart and Thurston avenues. At times, due to both distance and traffic congestion, the trip to "A" lot from Central Campus on bus Route 81 may take longer than usual (TCAT estimates approximately three minutes additional travel time; see TCAT Web site http://www.tcatbus.com/ for route and stop changes).

Will I be able to ride my bicycle northbound over the bridge?
Northbound cyclists will be allowed to use the bridge when it is open, but they must dismount and walk their bicycles across the bridge.

Why does the bridge need to be rehabilitated?
The city of Ithaca has a bridge maintenance program. The initial project proposal included painting the bridge and rehabilitating the deck to repair any deterioration since 1990. During discussions, it was decided to improve the bridge in order to accommodate the increased volume of pedestrian and bicycle traffic using the bridge.

What improvements will be made to the bridge?
The new bridge will be widened by 12 feet to accommodate two 5-foot-wide bicycle lanes and to widen the sidewalk on each side of the bridge by 2 feet. Each driving lane will be 1 foot narrower. The handrails will be lighted to improve pedestrian-level lighting.

Will there be bridge construction work after dark?
Nighttime construction is not currently being considered for this project.

Who should I contact for questions regarding the Thurston project and other campus projects?
The city of Ithaca's Engineering Office at (607) 274-6530 is overseeing the construction. Updates will be issued to the media and posted on the Cornell Administration, Facilities and Finance Web site http://www.aff.cornell.edu/SpecialConditions/CampusConstruction/ at regular intervals and project milestones. For general campus questions regarding all projects, contact Frank Perry, Cornell projects manager and coordinator, fdp1@cornell.edu.

Is there an alternative parking area to replace the loss of parking between Teagle Hall and Lynah Rink?
There is visitor parking behind the Friedman Wrestling Center, and about 190 spots will be added when the new level to the Hoy parking garage is built. That project starts in June and should be completed by spring 2007. In the meantime, parking space on campus will be at a premium, and drivers are encouraged to seek alternatives (read about the options).

Why is the Trolley Foot Bridge closing again?
The Trolley Foot Bridge, which crosses Cascadilla Creek and connects the Engineering Quad with Collegetown, must be replaced. Preliminary repairs were completed on the bridge last year. The project will begin in June, and the bridge should reopen in August 2006.

For updated information on the projects, see http://www.aff.cornell.edu/SpecialConditions/CampusConstruction/. The site includes information on all construction schedules, detours, TCAT links and parking lot closures.