Construction sites aren’t shortcuts

Construction sites aren’t shortcuts

BY MARK PASSWATERS
Special to The Rice News

Recent reports of people walking through fenced-in construction sites on campus without permission have prompted a reminder from the Department of Facilities, Engineering and Planning (FE&P) about the potential risks.

TOMMY LAVERGNE

Steps to ensure that people are aware of construction include signs on fences around each construction site and workers with flags who direct traffic away from potentially dangerous areas.

“A shortcut is not a safe cut if it involves crossing through a construction site,” said Barbara White Bryson, associate vice president of FE&P. “The safety of everyone in the Rice community and on the campus is our foremost priority, and we hope that all the Rice students, faculty and staff will help us in that effort.”

A number of steps have been taken to ensure that people are aware of construction areas and how to avoid them. These include signs on fences around each construction site and workers with flags who direct traffic away from potentially dangerous areas.

“We hope everyone is willing to follow the directions these people and signs provide,” Bryson said. “We’re also asking that no posted signs be removed, which could put others at in danger.”

Bryson said that entering a construction zone without permission puts more than just one person at risk.

“Going into one of these areas without the prior knowledge and permission of the project manager could lead to serious injury — not just to the person on site without permission, but to the people working there as well,” she said. “Any surprise in a construction area could lead to injuries.”

Rice University Police Chief Bill Taylor added that entering a construction zone without authorization is simply a bad move.

“Entering a fenced construction site constitutes a trespass,” he said. “An individual could be held accountable for any injury or damages that occur from their trespass.”

Bryson said that FE&P staff and contractors are doing everything possible to minimize the inconveniences to the Rice community during construction.

“If anyone sees a potential danger or something that needs to be repaired, please let us know immediately,” she said.

Any construction-related issues should be referred to the Construction Information Center at 713-348-3793 or by e-mailing mbp2@rice.edu. For after-hours requests, call the Facilities Service Center at 713-348-2485.

Learn more about construction on campus.