Federal Way, the road that runs east/west through the former U golf course from Wasatch Drive to Central Campus Drive, will permanently close after morning rush hour traffic on Monday, March 16, in preparation for the new James LeVoy Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building-A USTAR Innovation Center building project. This marks the first of several campus construction projects to be built on former golf course property. Others include three additional USTAR buildings, a new chilled water plant, athletic track, playfields, and other buildings.

Contractors will close Federal Way to install construction site fencing, set project trailers, and install utilities to the trailers. The fencing will include gates at each end of the road for construction access and allow access from Central Campus Drive for the USTAR groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, April 22.

For purposes of safety during the initial months of construction at this site, the initial decision was that the intersection of Wasatch Drive and North Campus Drive would prohibit left turn (westbound) movement from Wasatch Drive onto North Campus Drive starting Monday afternoon, March 16. Right turn (eastbound) movement was permitted.

UPDATE - This decision has been modified.  Left turn movement (westward) from Wasatch Drive onto North Campus Drive will be permitted.

However, it is recommended that drivers from the south and east access campus buildings along and off of Central Campus Drive (Olpin Union, Alumni House, Sill Center, LNCO, Warnock, etc) by driving northbound on Mario Cappechi Drive to North Campus Drive and, utilizing the traffic light, turn left (permitted from 2 lanes) and continue west to Central Campus Drive.

The intent of restricting left turns from Wasatch Drive to North Campus Drive was due to the concern that the increased traffic on North Campus Drive would make the left turn delayed and unsafe. Allowing the left turn does not diminish that concern and drivers making that turn will need to use extreme caution.

A replacement drive for Federal Way will be installed within the year.

Graphics regarding this closure as well as ongoing updates regarding construction impacts on traffic may be obtained at www.facilities.utah.edu.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as the next wave of transformative projects not only provides for the highest quality of space but contributes to the economic stimulus for our city and state.