EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University will begin work on a major steam tunnel repair project on north campus next month.
The West Circle Steam Loop project will occur in four segments spanning the summers of 2012 to 2015, with the 2012 segment featuring four phases starting in February.
The first phase will have minimal impacts to the campus community, but phases two through four will force complete closures from west to east on West Circle Drive and East Circle Drive. The second, third and fourth phases will occur between May and August.
The project is necessary to rebuild the ailing steam tunnels beneath MSU's historic north campus. MSU uses steam to heat campus buildings. The steam is generated at the T.B. Simon Power Plant on south campus and is distributed to most campus buildings via an intricate network of steam tunnels. Some of the steam tunnels on north campus are more than 100 years old and in need of repair to avoid failures of steam delivery to the region’s buildings, including residence halls, academic buildings, Olin Health Center and the MSU Union.
This West Circle Steam Loop project will address all of those needed repairs and ensure reliable steam service to this part of campus. Additional core infrastructure improvements will be made in conjunction with the steam upgrades, including water main, telecommunication and electrical upgrades.
The Physical Plant Division is hosting a series of public meetings to get the word out about the upcoming project.
- 8:30 a.m., Jan. 27, MSU Union Building, Parlor A
- 5:30 p.m., Feb. 16, Old Horticulture Building, Room 206
- 1:30 p.m., March 29, MSU Union Building, Parlor A
The project will also be featured on the agenda each month at Construction Junction, the Physical Plant’s monthly construction information meeting. February, March and May meetings are in Room B122 Wells Hall. April’s meeting is at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development. Summer meeting locations are to be determined. All begin at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, visit the West Circle Steam Loop website.
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