April 2021

The project goal is to improve the safety at campus intersections along the railroad tracks and meet the Federal Rail Authority standards to consider the approval of the discontinuance of train horn activation when trains travel through campus.   A combination of treatments such as gates with channelization devices and wayside horns are being considered for the five intersections along Wellborn Road. All these mitigation efforts strive to reduce the noise impact to the Texas A&M University College Station Campus community as well as the citizens of Bryan and College Station. For a full list of specific treatments per intersection, view page 12 of the notice of intent.

Phase 1 construction began in the fall 2020 at F&B Rd. with the construction of a new access road to the Texas A&M Utilities Energy Services tank farm and a new sidewalk along F&B Road.

 In January, off-track work for Phase 2 (Kimbrough Blvd.) began earlier than expected, as the contractor, Brazos Paving, Inc. (BPI), was able to bring in a second crew Work on this intersection will continue through the start of the fall semester. BPI closed Joe Routt Blvd. at Wellborn Rd. on March 15. Transportation Services requested this closure occur after the make-up graduation ceremonies to ensure they were not negatively affected. While the intersection was closed, hotel guests utilized Stallings Blvd. then travelled west on Joe Routt Blvd. for access to the hotel entrance. BPI used a concrete mix that dries quickly to avoid delays due to weather and  so one lane in each direction will be opened for Family Weekend (April 9) and the Maroon and White Game (April 24).

The necessary Union Pacific Rail Road (UPRR) Right-of-Entry (ROE) approvals for George Bush Dr. and F&B Rd. have been received. The original intent was to begin working at the George Bush Dr. intersection  the week of March 1, but unexpected design modifications on the east side of the track required additional approval from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and UPRR . This delay gave BPI the opportunity to focus resources on Kimbrough Blvd. The team will coordinate closely with TxDOT for upcoming closures at Holleman Dr. and portions of FM 2818.

While establishing a Quiet Zone seems simple, it requires the close coordination and planning between both public and private entities.  SSC/EDCS is continuing to do so and will manage this project until the spring 2022, when the Notice of Establishment is issued.

More information about this project may be found at: https://transport.tamu.edu/About/faqquietzone.aspx

The Department of Turfgrass Science is currently utilizing Penberthy Field #8 for a multi seasonal research study concerning field compaction and aeration. Utilizing a G.P.S. equipped Cleg Hammer (device used to measure the hardness or shock absorption properties of a turf surface) the study will track a multitude of points across the field to track filed hardness throughout several seasons.

With Rugby being the primary sport played there, the  most impacted points will be identified and plotted to create a map. Once these areas are identified, they will be aerated to alleviate compaction, increase safety and promote growth. The study will compare the impact of full field aeration compared to selected area aeration and its effects to field performance and potential cost savings.

The Turfgrass Department is also utilizing some of our non-field areas to track Crabgrass growth habits as compared to soil temperatures. Two areas are being tracked, weekly mowed at 1” and receiving no herbicides or fertilizers.

submitted by Brian Carey, CPTM,CSFM| Athletic/Grounds Manager, TAMU

Billy Harkins, a Project Manager II with SSC Facilities Engineering Design and Construction department, is in charge of an interior renovation project managed at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

The “Before” picture should be labeled “During” as it shows the state of the project during the demolition phase, and the “After” picture shows the completed project.

Joyce M. Coleman is a SSC Custodian at Astin Airport. She is a SSC custodial employee for 9 years. Joyce Coleman has received a letter of commendation form the employees at the Astin Aviation Airport.

 Mrs. Joyce,

You are Awesome!

Thank you so much for all you do

You make the world a better place

Thank you for being selfless, your sacrifice and always taking care of us.

You Friends at Astin Aviation

(signed by all employees at Astin)

Services provided at the Astin Aviation Airport include Game Day Air Services, Charter flights for Texas A&M University. Flights for VIP visitors to Texas A&M University. Sports Charter Ground Handling for Texas A&M University. 

Pictured: Joyce Coleman and Custodial Crew E Supervisor Maria (Rosa) Alvarado

Warren Mayes

Keana Maxey

Lashawnda McCray

Yuri Mendoza

Denisha Nelms

Denisha Ragston

David Reyes

Barbara Rico

Faviola Rodriguez

Gerald Ross

Daria Soto

Yesenia Soto

Stephanie Townsend

Erika Ventura

Maria Villanueva

Dashonda White

Prescilla Whitaker

Donna Woods

EDCS

Kayla Raub, Student

MAINTENANCE NEW ASSOCIATES

Colton Buerger

Courtney Colle

Justin Cowley

Collin Craft

Cole Gibson

James Mackenrodt

James Matthews

Kayla Raub

Mercedes Underwood

CUSTODIAL NEW ASSOCIATES

Gloria Bright

Paulette Campise

Alex Carpio

Veronica Corpus

Norma Rodriguez De Luna

Makala Dixon

Phillip Douglas

Crishell Evans

Daniel Figueroa

Elvira Garcia

Marven Georges

Crispen Guedea

Jazmine Hernandez

Briona Holmes

Kathy Johnson

Makiyah Johnson

Warrneshia Johnson

Dylan Keyes

Ashley Lopez

Joel Lopez Jr.

Maricella Lopez

Geiny Martinez