Upcoming steam line repairs will close several roads throughout WKU’s campus for much of the summer.

The replacements should be done before school starts back in August. Rain and bad weather won’t affect the construction, said Bryan Russell, director of Planning, Design and Construction.

The circular drive around Minton Hall will be closed Tuesday through July 29, with partial access to disability parking spaces remaining available.

Additional meter parking will be available in the visitor parking area in front of Diddle Arena.

Alumni Drive and Hilltop Drive will also be closed from May 31 through Aug. 12 due to repairs.

Traffic exiting Potter Lot will be diverted through Faculty House Drive and alternate parking will be available in the Gated Hilltop Lot for Premium Faculty/Staff permit holders. The gate will remain up unless it’s reserved for a special event.

The general contractor for the project is Scott & Ritter, Inc., said Russell. The company with the lowest, most qualified bid was selected. Scott & Ritter, Inc., conducted an investigation project and is ordering the materials needed for construction to begin next week.

The construction process on the broken steam lines involves digging up steam pipes in five different locations—between Minton Hall and Downing University Center, by Bemis Lawrence Hall and Barnes-Campbell Hall, by the Wetherby Administration Building and Potter Hall, by Bates-Runner Hall and at the steam plant itself.

Russell said that because the pipes have been in the ground up to 50 years, replacement is necessary.

Project costs are nearly $1 million.