New Glen Bridge opens in time for the fall semester

The new Glen Bridge is now open for use, offering students a wider and sturdier route for traveling between the Glen Plaza and the core campus.

“The new bridge doesn’t just replace what was there — it improves it,” said Scott Guckert, director of construction services . “We’re excited to reopen this pathway for students.”

Construction on the bridge began in June and included new support towers, a sturdy concrete deck and an expanded walkway that’s more than a foot wider than the previous bridge to improve pedestrian flow.

The bridge opening is the first of several construction projects that have been recently completed or will be complete in the 2017-18 academic year.

The South Campus Pavilion (formerly known as the Auburn Pavilion) has been updated with permanent restrooms, new lighting and updated heating and air conditioning systems that make it an all-season venue for year-round campus event use. The Auburn House has also been restored for use for select university events. The campus is invited to tour both locations during an open house on Thursday, August 31 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Burdick Hall will be twice the size when it reopens in December following major renovations, including the addition of a Ninja Warrior style training course, elevated sprint hill as well as expanded fitness space. A completely reconstructed Residence Tower will open in spring 2018 with a new exterior, new room layouts and loft-like community space.

In addition to these university projects, there will be ongoing roadwork along Towsontown Boulevard, Osler Drive and Cross Campus Drive this academic year as a result of BGE and county infrastructure projects. Over the coming months, BGE will be installing underground cables along Towsontown Boulevard and Osler Drive to improve electrical service in the area. Beginning in November, they will work along Cross Campus Drive to remove an electrical substation. Work on that project is expected to conclude by January 2018. The county projects to widen Towsontown Boulevard and update pipelines under the roadway will be ongoing through spring 2018. Drivers should consider using alternate routes and allow extra time for traveling to campus. 

As some projects conclude, others are just beginning. The New Science Facility will break ground late this fall in the space adjacent to 7800 York Road and will open for students in the fall of 2020. Renovations to convert the TU Marriott into student housing will begin in summer 2018 and are expected to be complete for the fall 2018 semester.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University.