New centralized shuttle stop and extension of Wake Forest Road coming for Fall 2022
Extension of Wake Forest Road coming for Fall 2022
Extension of Wake Forest Road
Wake Forest will begin a campus-improvement project after the 2022 Commencement: the extension of Wake Forest Road from the Reynolda Road entrance through Davis Field. This change resurrects the original campus plan devised by Jens Fredrick Larson, who designed a road that passed through Davis Field until it was rerouted in 1991.
The extension of the road from the Reynolda Road entrance will improve traffic circulation and continue the iconic arrival experience to campus, with the arch on Hearn Plaza as a central visual feature. Additional benefits include improved access to campus that also reduces vehicular traffic and provides opportunities for expansion of the pedestrian network near the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, Reynolda Hall and Benson Center. The road will offer an expanded walking and biking network through Davis Field.
Additional modifications to Lot B, located between Taylor and Davis Residence Halls, will improve traffic alignment and vehicle and pedestrian safety. No trees will be removed from the lower part of Davis field. The large legacy oak trees on Davis Field will remain. A new Permatrak boardwalk system will be utilized around these legacy oaks to protect the tree roots. New trees will be planted for beauty and shade.
Construction will begin immediately after commencement with work expected to be completed fall of 2022. The improvements to campus will result in changes to parking options for faculty, staff and visitors. More information will be shared before construction begins in May, and communications to campus will continue as the projects progress throughout the summer.
Campus Q&As
Why is the road being extended?
The road extension will provide an improved arrival experience to the campus core from the Reynolda Road entrance and provide improved access for cars and campus shuttles to University properties to the west of the Reynolda Campus. The road will reduce vehicular traffic near ZSR Library, Benson Center and Reynolda Hall and expand options for walking and biking in that area.
Will the portion of Wake Forest Road along Davis Field connected to Faculty Drive remain open?
The portion of Wake Forest Road surrounding Davis Field will remain open. During the initial phase of the road extension and at intermittent times, construction may require temporarily redirecting traffic.
How will the changes affect faculty/staff parking?
The realignment of the road will result in the removal of 24 faculty/staff parking spaces. To offset that reduction in parking spaces, thirty spaces in the parking lot across from the Divinity School near Dogwood and Magnolia Residence Halls (Lot Q) will be designated as faculty/staff spaces. Fifteen of those spaces will be located near Scales Fine Arts Center (in addition to the 47 currently available), and 15 will be near Farrell Hall (in addition to the 22 currently available).
How will delivery vehicles be affected?
The top of Lot B will be reconfigured to allow more maneuvering space for delivery vehicles to continue to use this location. During construction, delivery trucks will use Zick’s loading dock for access to Hearn Plaza.
Will parking be available for special events?
Parking Lot B will continue to be used for event parking upon advance approval from Parking and TransportationServices.
Will there be parking for service vehicles?
There will be spaces designated for Service Vehicles Only in Lot B.
What about handicap parking availability?
The same number of handicap parking spaces will be available in Lot B as prior to the planned improvements.
Will the trees remain on Davis Field?
No trees on the lower part of Davis Field are being removed. Some trees on the upper part of Davis field and Lot B between Taylor and Davis will be removed. The legacy oaks on the upper part of Davis field will remain. A new Permatrak boardwalk system will be utilized around these legacy oaks to protect the tree roots, similar to the boardwalk system at Lot Q/Farrell Hall. New trees will be planted for beauty and shade at the appropriate time of year when the trees are most likely to take root and thrive. Wake Forest’s Tree Care Advisory Committee will be reviewing the plans for approval this spring.
How will the road affect the walkway to Scales Fine Arts Center?
The current walkway to Scales will be replaced with a new walkway that will allow similar access across the street from the parking Lot B between Taylor and Davis Residence Halls
What will happen to the swings?
The swings will remain in place. Swings that may end up being positioned too close to the new sidewalk may be relocated.
Where will the marching band practice take place?
The band will continue to practice on Davis Field after the construction is completed. WFU Athletics will also make athletic fields available as needed for band practice.