Pedestrians near Cole Hall soon will be able to travel unobstructed.

The construction of the several bridges over Watson Creek and the plaza in front of Cole Hall should be mostly complete by the beginning of the spring semester.

As of now, work that still needs to be completed includes finishing some concrete and stone work, putting hand rails on the circular bridge, minor dredging of creek and some brick paving on the plaza and near the bridges. Grass is being installed in some areas to stabilize the banks of the creek.

Some minor work that may be delayed until spring includes painting some light poles and possibly some planting of flowers or shrubs.

As for phase two of NIU’s $8.5 million Storm Water Improvement Program, the project is right on schedule, said Patricia Perkins, assistant to the vice president of finance and facilities. The project began during summer 2001.

Perkins expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“I think it looks fabulous already,” she said. “Both lagoons and all the bridges have been greatly improved, both in function and appearance.”

The project has not experienced any major setbacks, but every plan has a few wrinkles, Perkins said. The recent cold weather could be considered one such wrinkle.

The cold has slowed the pace of the work, said Todd Motsinger, a construction worker with Whitaker Excavating, the general contractor for the project.

Junior psychology major Kari Lemmer said walking around the construction is not a big inconvenience.

“It only takes a few extra minutes to walk another way,” she said, “but it’s worth it because everything will look really nice when it’s done.”