Officials with MTSU’s Construction Administration are reminding students, faculty and staff to follow pedestrian detours around the new rotary still under construction at Champion and Lightning Ways on the north side of campus.

A Raider Xpress bus passes close to warning signs posted along Champion Way near Faulkinberry Drive Monday, Aug. 26, on the first day of classes for most students, but some pedestrians still didn’t heed the signs. Campus construction officials urge pedestrians to seek alternative routes as construction continues on the new rotary. (MTSU photos by MTSU News and Media Relations)

The university reached its goal of opening Champion Way from Greenland Drive to Faulkinberry Drive to vehicle traffic by the time classes started for most students Monday.

Installation of sidewalks is among the unfinished work around the upgraded thoroughfare, however, and, for safety purposes, pedestrians are being directed around the still-active construction zone.

A pedestrian and a motorist try to share the route along Champion Way near Faulkinberry Drive on Monday, Aug. 26, despite signs warning pedestrians away from the construction area.

An electronic billboard and other signage note that the area is closed to pedestrians, while staff positioned near the new Champion Way garage that recently opened are guiding pedestrians to alternative routes along Founders Lane on the east side and a sidewalk next to Reese-Smith Field on the west.

The construction project includes the widening of Champion Way with a new turn lane at Greenland Drive, a new rotary at the intersection of Lightning and Champion Ways and improved pedestrian walkways, crosswalks and lighting.

A portion of Lightning Way remains closed. Completion of the overall project is expected by summer 2014.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)