By: Samantha McCollum
Construction on Libra Drive, the University of Central Florida’s south entrance, is estimated to be completed by May 2016; the expansion will provide elevated areas, four vehicle lanes, bike lanes and a sidewalk on the west side of the road.
The UCF Police Department encourages drivers to find an alternate route due to the construction and slowing of traffic. They will enforce the 20 mph speed limit while construction is ongoing to provide safety to drivers, bicyclists and construction crews.
“I haven’t used Libra Drive since the construction started because it’s always so backed up. I just use the main entrance by garage A now,” UCF student Steven Gomez said.
During the construction Libra Drive is closed to pedestrians, but remains open to vehicular and bike traffic. The Facilities Planning & Construction page on UCF’s website offers a map with temporary pedestrian routes.
“There’s no sidewalk right now so bicyclists just ride in the street, which gives me a lot of anxiety when I take Libra, I feel like I’m going to hit them,” 22-year-old Ewin Vega said.
The expansion of the mile-long road began in May of 2015. Not only will the road be widened from two to four lanes and feature bike lanes and sidewalks, but low areas will also be elevated several feet to eliminate occasional flooding after heavy rains, according to UCF Police.
“It rained really bad back in September, and I was on my way home and Libra was completely blocked off with barricades and police. It ended up taking me over half an hour to get to my apartment on Science Drive, which is less than a mile from campus,” said UCF sophomore Catherine Noll.
If students, faculty and staff decide to continue to use Libra Drive, they should be aware that construction — which includes heavy equipment, lane closures and workers on foot — might delay traffic.
“I assume that even when it’s completed it’s still going to be a hassle,” UCF senior Keith Brinsko said.
UCF Today explained that eastbound Gemini Boulevard would also gain a new right-turn lane for easier access onto Libra. Right now there is no turning lane onto Libra, causing occasional traffic backup on Gemini stretching as far as the Wellness Center.
“I’m really excited for the expansion. I use Libra to get to and from campus every day and can’t wait for it to be four lanes,” UCF student Gabriela Murphy said.
There are still seven months of construction left; UCF authorities ask that everyone uses precaution while traveling down Libra Drive for the remainder of the project. Any updates on the expansion will be sent to the all-campus email when necessary.
Photo by Samantha McCollum
