Western Michigan University will permanently close the intersection of Oliver Lane and Oakland Drive on its East Campus this summer, according to a press release from the university's Facilities Management department.
The closure is set to begin Thursday, May 7, with construction starting after commencement ceremonies. The project will be completed before fall move-in this year.
Residents who use Oakland Drive to access WMU's East Campus will need to use the traffic light at the intersection with Oliver Street instead. Once finished, Oliver Lane will end at the entrance to Lot 11, also known as the Little Theatre.
The roadway will then be converted into green space for public use.
The decision comes after officials determined the intersection posed a safety hazard. Insufficient sight distance made it difficult and potentially dangerous to turn from Oliver Lane onto south or northbound Oakland Drive.
"Those looking to enter East Campus from Oakland Drive should do so from the traffic light at the intersection with Oliver Street," WMU Facilities Management stated.
The university is replacing a portion of Oliver Lane with green space at the intersection with Oakland Drive outside the WMU Esports Arena located at 798 Oakland Drive.