The Colonial Drive and University Boulevard Infrastructure and Enhancements Project will improve the teaching, learning, and working environments of campus constituents by providing reliable and efficient thermal energy to facilities by replacing systems which have reached the end of their functional service life. By connecting the existing facilities to the central system, which features efficient and centralized equipment in the energy plants, the Project will free campus exterior space currently occupied by existing equipment for other uses including, but not limited to, parking, landscaping, and hardscape improvements. Furthermore, reducing the cost to provide cooling and heating to buildings will support The University of Alabama in maintaining a competitive cost of attendance.

This Project will include rerouting the sanitary sewer that is currently running under Reese Phifer Hall and McClure Library, new thermal piping routed to Reese Phifer Hall and connection to the Central Thermal System, storm sewer at the intersection of University Boulevard and Colonial Drive, replacement of critical water lines, and extension of UA natural gas to create
system redundancy, as well as improvements to the roadways including paving, road markings, landscaping, bike paths, lighting and security.

Long lead items will be Owner Purchased Contractor Installed to mitigate the effect of continued supply chain challenges. The Project will facilitate the removal of concrete paving under University Boulevard in advance of future University Boulevard enhancement projects. The Project will also address the mitigation of flooding risk present at Doster and Reese Phifer Hall, as well as support future flood mitigation on University Boulevard and the Quad.

The Project has been separated into two (2) packages: Package A – Colonial Drive and University Boulevard 2024 (“Package A”), which includes critical infrastructure and utility improvements within Colonial Drive and 9th Avenue; and Package B – University Boulevard 2025 (“Package B”), which includes critical infrastructure and utility improvements within University Boulevard on the West side of Campus.

The Project was separated into two packages to better level and coordinate the amount of ongoing civil and infrastructure projects during the Summer and to better coordinate with the McLure Library Renovation and Addition project which requires access during the Summer of 2024 to expedite work along University so that access can be returned in time for Fall 2024 classes.

The Project is key to enhancing the pedestrian and vehicular traffic to and from the academic core of campus as a continuation of the Colonial Drive enhancements previously completed south of Judy Bonner Drive. This corridor is a key pedestrian and transportation link to the campus for both on and off campus residents and serves as a gateway for many to the University.

The Project will also address significant deferred maintenance and facility renewal liabilities for the Campus by replacing existing undersized local utility Infrastructure that serves Reese Phifer Hall and aging sanitary sewer systems with more centralized and modern equipment.