The Varsity

As construction work on St. George Street enters its final phase, crossing the street to get into Robarts Library may prove a pain.

The road surface of the downtown campus’s main artery is getting a make-over between Bloor Street West and College Street and the city is taking advantage of the opportunity to up-size the water pipes underneath.

The project has been split into three parts. Work on the first two parts of the project, the stretch between Harbord and College Streets, is largely complete.

In the coming weeks, the stretch between Harbord Street and Bloor Street West will be dug up. Workers have already begun digging up the west side of St. George Street north of Harbord Street. Work on water pipes is done first, and does not require that the street be completely shut down.

The repaving part is done second, and does require that the road be closed off to cars. This is the case in the area around Sidney Smith and University College, where workers were adding he finishing touches to road tiles.

This will mean longer walking times for those going to and from Robarts Library from the east end of campus.

Pedestrians, meanwhile, can amble unabated on either side of St. George. They may cross the street at several designated crossing points, and construction crews have set up ramps to help those with mobility disabilities negotiate the crossings.

The repaving of St. George Street will take place last, along its whole length. The city projects the work will be done around Nov. 17.

Until then there’ll be another excuse for being late for a class across campus-or for a Robarts’ study date.

-Mike Ghenu