Inconveniences arise with culvert project

The Town Creek Culvert project moved on to its next phase on Monday, Oct. 7, resulting in major road closures in downtown Greenville, which presents an inconvenience to East Carolina University students and community members.

With the current phase of the project, parts of Reade Circle and Cotanche Street have been closed for construction. The closure is expected to last between three to four months if the weather permits and construction remains on-schedule.

Although, the Town Creek Culvert construction downtown is necessary for the completion of stormwater drainage efficiency, the impact on pedestrian and automotive traffic comes at a high price.

ECU’s West End neighborhood borders the Town Creek Culvert construction, leaving students with limited easy-access to the downtown area by way of foot. The fencing off of the area, including the crosswalk on Reade Circle in front of the Chico’s Mexican Restaurant, leaves students having to take a detour to walk through downtown.

We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe the Town Creek Culvert project’s construction presents an inconvenience to students walking to and from the downtown area, however it is notably essential to the development of the city.

Additionally, the closure parts of Reade Circle and Cotanche Street on Oct. 7 should not have been a surprise to students seeing as though this phase of construction has been planned and spoken about for months.

As parts of Reade Circle and Cotanche Street being closed can seem like an annoyance for students walking downtown, this phase of the project has been expected for months.