Does anybody know what time it is?
It's construction time on The Plains, and I for one am torn on whether to rejoice or shake my fist.
When I heard plans were being made to add turning lanes to the intersection of Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue at a city council meeting months ago, I could not have been more excited.
I cannot tell you how many near panic attacks I have had trying to maneuver that particular intersection.
Finding the right time to turn left from Magnolia Avenue on to Donahue Drive while cars are coming from ahead and students are crossing the street is no easy feat.
However, when the portion of Magnolia Avenue between Donahue Drive and Cox Street closed Monday to allow construction to begin on the project, I had a dramatic change of heart.
Maybe I'm just averse to change, but I'm not a fan of being forced to detour when driving to get my $5 foot long from Subway.
Things did not improve Tuesday when I rode the Tiger Transit to campus and was not dropped off as close to my beacon of learning, the Haley Center, as I am accustomed to.
Sure, I had read Dean Green's e-mail stating the transit stop would be moved to the North East side of Jordan-Hare to allow for construction on the new road on the west side of the Student Center, but I wasn't exactly sure where the North East side of the stadium was.
While I appreciate all the work Auburn is doing to improve both the city and campus, I can't help but wonder why they decided to start these projects a month before spring semester ends.
In my opinion, it makes more sense to wait until summertime, when Auburn is significantly less busy, to start the Magnolia Avenue road construction.
In addition to the left and right turning lanes, the project also includes resurfacing Magnolia Avenue from College Street to Donahue Drive, making sidewalk improvements and installing crosswalks along Magnolia Avenue.
The project is slated to last up to six weeks, so it's not like there wouldn't be ample time.
The Tiger Transit situation is another story, since that project is slated to be completed in July just in time for fall semester.
Between these new projects, "The Village" going up and various smaller construction projects, it just feels like construction overload.
However, I'll try to be patient and realize these projects will improve Auburn in the long run.
After all, I do believe in Auburn, and love it.
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