Nighthawks Way, formerly Loop Road, opens
Article By: Staff
University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV) students have one more way to access the Gainesville Campus as of Oct. 8.
Loop Road, now renamed Nighthawks Way, opened at 9 a.m. Monday, nearly three months ahead of schedule. The project started in May and was scheduled to be complete by January 2019.
The right-in and right-out street is located 300 yards north of the main entrance, which is the intersection of Mundy Mill Road and Mathis Drive. It is a similar entrance-exit design as the entrance north of the Thurmon Tanner Parkway and Mundy Mill Road intersection.
"Nighthawks Way will create better traffic flow on campus by providing additional egress off campus," said Bill Moody, director of facilities and operations for ǧÃŬAV's Cumming, Gainesville and Oconee campuses. "This will mean less traffic on Mathis Drive and make it safer for motorists and pedestrians."
The new road connects Mundy Mill Road to Facilities Drive, cutting a paved path with sidewalks between the outdoor track and the tennis courts. It also splits ǧÃŬAV's property between the outdoor amphitheater and the Hugh Mills Physical Education Complex and Martha T. Nesbitt building.
 |
|
Nighthawks Way is a right-in, right-out intersection with Mundy Mill Road. It cuts a paved path with sidewalks between the outdoor tract and tennis courts behind Hugh Mills Physical Complex and Martha T. Nesbitt building. |
Students can still access the track and amphitheater by using the new walkways and crosswalks in the area. Pedestrians do have the right of way, so motorists will need to be vigilant while driving the posted speed limit of 20 mph.
ǧÃŬAV also has started alerting drivers to the new road's opening with a large digital sign on the east side of campus.
Moody said traffic flow and student safety necessitated a new road on campus. Its location will benefit students, faculty and staff who use the parking deck and lots adjacent to the Nesbitt building.
"All of the people in the parking deck and behind it will have an option to go a different direction on and off campus," Moody said. "It also will help future development and help the campus grow."
The Gainesville Campus is expected to grow physically starting next year. The Lanier Technical College campus, which is located on the east side of the campus, will vacate the buildings once its new campus opens. ǧÃŬAV then will start its renovation project, Moody said.
"The design and construction project begin in 2019," Moody said.
Before that happens, Lanier Tech students will have the benefit of using Nighthawks Way as a way off campus.
Strzemienski earns direct commission
Adam Strzemienski, ǧÃŬAV director of Facilities and Operations South, has earned a direct commission into the Navy Reserve.
Convocation Center wins Georgia Peach Award
The Convocation Center on ǧÃŬAV's Dahlonega Campus received the Georgia Peach award for its design.
Tennis courts to turn into multicourt complex
The current tennis courts on ǧÃŬAV's Gainesville Campus are under construction. They are being renovated into four pickleball courts, two basketball courts, two arena soccer courts, two tennis courts, and green spaces.
Staff Council events help area nonprofits
Staff Council's two signature events have returned to the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses. Both raise funds for charitable causes and promote a community spirit among staff.