View from West Campus looking toward Ram Stadium. (www.shepherd.edu/underpass/)

A meeting was held Wednesday evening, Aug. 3 at Shepherd University to discuss plans for the proposed pedestrian underpass to be constructed between the East and West Campuses, across Route 480.

Meeting attendees included residents of the local community, as well as some Shepherd University students, faculty members, Shepherdstown Mayor Jim Auxer, representatives from the Department of Highways and Shepherd President Suzanne Shipley.

Richard Klein, CEO of Alpha Associates, the company tasked with the planning and design of the underpass, gave a presentation detailing its look and dimensions.

Klein also discussed the timeline for construction and provided logistics for traffic detours that will go into effect during the three-month construction period, scheduled to take place May through July 2012.

Attendees were invited to ask questions regarding project specifics and its impact.

View from East Campus looking toward the Center for Contemporary Arts. (www.shepherd.edu/underpass/)

Rick Staisloff, acting vice president of Administration and Finance for the University moderated the event and helped field questions.

The project, which is estimated to cost $4 million, is designed to provide better safety for current and future students who cross between campuses.

“We want people to cross there and cross safely,” Staisloff said.

Illustrative drawings of the underpass from several elevations can be found by visiting www.shepherd.edu/underpass/.

For more information, you can find the full story in the Aug. 12 edition of The Shepherdstown Chronicle on newsstands next Friday.

View from Popodicon looking toward Ram Stadium. (www.shepherd.edu/underpass/)