Alumni Drive will soon see its last parking ticket.

Change seems to be the new status quo at Wichita State. The Rhatigan Renewal was only the kick-off to a series of projects that are changing the face of WSU. Whether it’s a new dormitory, a scoreboard at Koch Arena or strengthening alliances with local community colleges, WSU is in a state of transformation.

Another stage in that transformation begins in early August when Alumni Drive will be closed permanently to vehicle traffic.

Woody DuPontier, Director of Physical Plant said that the need to replace the aged steam and water pipes in that area of campus drove the decision. Rather than damage the existing landscaping, the decision was made to move the pipes to the middle of Alumni Drive.

“We elected to try to save the old oak trees,” DuPontier said.

Over the course of two phases, the steam and water pipes will be moved and replaced, necessitating the removal of Alumni Drive. The drive will be replaced with a pedestrian walkway.

The exact date of the closure has not been determined.

“It really depends on when we get delivery of the new steam and water pipes,” DuPontier said.

Alumni Drive will be closed from the t-intersection at Perimeter Drive north to the entrance to Lot 16, near Duerksen Fine Arts Center. The handicap parking currently available on Alumni Drive will be relocated behind Morrison Hall.