Two major Elon roads, Lebanon and Trollinger avenues, reopened May 20 after more than nine months of construction on a new pedestrian tunnel between Elon's main campus and areas south of the railroad tracks. Lebanon and Trollinger run parallel to the tracks and were closed to traffic last August.
The opening of the roads, in time for Elon’s Commencement events, will relieve traffic congestion on roads throughout campus.
The $2.2 million underpass, which provides a safe pedestrian route through the railroad right-of-way, includes accessibility ramps on either side of the tracks along with stairways down to the tunnel, which is about 15 feet below the tracks. The tunnel is about 12 feet wide and 45 feet long, and includes six security cameras. The project is jointly funded by the North Carolina Railroad Company and the university.
Construction supervisors conducted inspections of the roads and tunnels Thursday morning as crews cleaned up the work site, installed safety equipment and fences, and tested pumps and electrical systems.
The Town of Elon is planning to do additional work on both roads and adjacent sidewalks this summer, which will mean shorter periods of road closures during those construction projects.