Dear Students,

I hope you enjoyed your winter break and are returning refreshed for Spring Semester.

Please be aware in a short period of time, the Monroe Street Reconstruction project will begin. This project will significantly impact commute times and access to our Monroe Street Campus, possibly through November of 2018.

At the direction of President Flanagan, Edgewood College’s Monroe Street Reconstruction Task Force was created to keep apprised of developing construction schedules and find ways to mitigate the impact to campus.  Colleagues from the Edgewood community have been meeting regularly since September 2017 to prepare. This communication contains the important information we know at this time. As plans are finalized, we will bring you up to speed. At any time, you may go directly to www.edgewood.edu/monroestreet for the most up to date information.

Exactly when construction will begin has not yet been finalized by the City of Madison. Here is what we know as of today:

• Utility work may begin as early as mid-January.  During this time, the road is expected to remain two-way traffic, though there may be sporadic temporary lane closures.
• By the end of February or beginning of March, Monroe Street is expected to be reduced to one lane inbound towards downtown Madison. Vehicular traffic will be able to enter Edgewood College Drive via right turn only and exit the main drive via right turn only.

• Regular bus schedules on Monroe Street will change once traffic is reduced to one inbound lane.

  • A new bus schedule with east bound runs will we developed. Once schedules are published we will make you aware.

• The Safe Ride shuttle will continue to operate for our students.  Students should use the shuttle for safety and avoid walking through the neighborhoods.  Edgewood College is working to find ways to ensure schedules are consistent with current runs. It is possible schedules will be adjusted based upon the time it takes for shuttles to return to campus. 
• The shuttle program for faculty and staff will continue.  Edgewood College is working to find ways to ensure schedules are consistent with current runs. It is possible schedules will be adjusted based upon the time it takes for shuttles to return to their point of departure. 

• Conversations are ongoing between the Campus School, High School and College to find ways to reduce traffic congestion on internal campus roads.

  • The City of Madison has approved temporary use of Park and Pleasure Drive exclusively for Campus School pick up and drop off. Gates will be regulated by the Campus School being opened briefly in the morning and again in the afternoon. Traffic will be directed from Woodrow Street back to Edgewood Avenue through Park and Pleasure Drive.
  • Alternative and expanded traffic patterns on internal campus roads are being evaluated. Future communications will address internal traffic.

We will do our best to communicate updates as additional information becomes available.  Please check the web page www.edgewood.edu/monroestreet frequently for updates. You can also reach out directly to me or any of the Monroe Street Reconstruction Task Force members listed below.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Michael Guns, Vice President for Business and Finance

Thank you to the following community members serving on the Monroe Street Reconstruction Task Force:

Al Brisack, Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach

Erin Bykowski, Assistant Director of Transportation and Security

Kristine Fruehling, Transportation Services Coordinator

Heather Harbach, Interim Dean of Students

Ana Jimenez-Diaz, President, Student Senate 

Derek Johnson, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Rachael Lancor, Associate Professor

Scott Lanphear, Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Manager

Mike Metcalf, Director of Security and Transportation

Nichole Rosa-Robinson, Events and Conference Services Manager

Ed Taylor, Director of Strategic Communications

Susan VanderSanden, Director of Facilities Operations