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                         April 26, 2002

Safety alert: Construction areas off-limits 24/7

Submitted by the USMA Safety Office
Staff Writer
Signs and construction barriers haven’t stopped USMA community members from jogging, bike riding and walking along the Mills Road construction zone so the command has designed the area OFF LIMITS 24/7.

Mills Road is closed for construction, but that hasn’t stopped some community members -- particularly cadets -- from using the area for jogging, walking and bicycle riding. And that’s causing some major safety concerns for USMA officials.

Construction activity has necessitated the closure of several areas near Michie Stadium to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The construction in this area has created numerous hazards to include heavy equipment operation, open holes, exposed manholes, steep drops and uneven walking surfaces.

Many of these hazards are magnified during hours of darkness. Even though the conditions in this area are extremely dangerous many community members continue to ignore posted signs and enter the area anyway.

Due to these hazards, the construction areas around Michie Stadium are officially designated as OFF LIMITS to the community and only authorized personnel are permitted to enter these construction areas.

Authorized personnel are limited to contractor personnel working on the project or those USMA personnel with duties directly related to these projects that require their presence on site. Authorized personnel are reminded that hard hats are required while working in these areas. Areas designated as OFF LIMITS, 24 hours per day, seven days per week include the following:

n Mills Road from Michie Stadium Gate 1 to Schofield Place.

n The Stony Lonesome Road Bypass construction site along the north side of Michie Stadium.

n The Kimsey Athletic Center construction site.

n The Hoffman Press Box construction site.

Motor vehicle operators should follow posted detours through Central Area, while pedestrians should follow the posted pedestrian detour along Stewart Road on the east side of Lusk Reservoir.

Cadets wishing access to their vehicles should follow the pedestrian detour to Lusk Dam, cross Howze Field on the macadam path, and access the parking lots by walking along the roadway leading to F Lot from where they can access all other parking areas.

Unauthorized personnel entering the areas designated OFF LIMITS will have their names turned over to the appropriate chain of command for disciplinary action.