Washington and Lee Begins Campus Utility Infrastructure Updates The multi-year project aims to provide sustainable heating across campus.

By Brian Laubscher
August 18, 2025

Washington and Lee University has started upgrading its campus utility infrastructure to support the university’s Campus Master Plan and meet sustainability goals outlined in its Climate Action Plan.

The infrastructure updates will enable the university to transition to low-temperature hot water (LTHW) as its primary heating source. The multi-year project launched in June with new piping installation along East Denny Circle, connecting Woods Creek Apartments and the new Lindley Center for Student Wellness to the LTHW system. That work is expected to finish by the beginning of Fall Term and, aside from a temporary closure of East Denny Circle, has caused minimal campus disruption.

Front campus construction begins this month
The project moves to front campus in August with pipe replacement in three zones: along Washington Street from Gaines Hall to the Elrod Commons tunnel entrance, in the tunnel accessing Elrod Commons, Cannan Green and Doremus Gymnasium, and above ground between Graham Lees and Cannan Green.

Construction will proceed in separate phases, beginning with pipe replacements along Washington Street. Preparations began the week of Aug. 11 as construction crews worked to mark the utility lines. Safety fencing will be erected, and Washington Street will close to vehicular traffic beginning the week of Aug. 25. Washington Street is expected to be completely closed for up to three months while this infrastructure replacement is occurring. Aside from campus deliveries, all vehicular traffic will be diverted to Lee Avenue and Nelson Street during the road closure. The closure will not affect access to Warner Drive and the top entry to the University Parking Garage, but access to Early-Fielding Way will be closed from Washington Street and can only be accessed from Lee Avenue.

The concrete stairs from the Duchossois Athletic and Recreation Center providing pedestrian access to Washington Street in the vicinity of Early-Fielding Way will be blocked until this phase of the construction is complete.

Campus pedestrian impacts expected
Work near Elrod Commons, Cannan Green and Graham Lees will affect pedestrian walkways. Campus community members should follow posted signs and avoid fenced construction areas. To bypass the construction zones between Cannan Green and Graham Lees, pedestrians should use the walkway between Graham Lees and the Lee House to reach the front campus from Washington Street.

The first phase of LTHW construction is expected to finish by late April 2026 and won’t affect campus operations. However, community members should prepare for construction noise, particularly when workers connect the system to Gaines, Graham Lees, Elrod Commons and Doremus Gym. The most disruptive work will be scheduled during holidays and breaks.

Details about future phases will be shared when available. More information about this and other ongoing capital projects is available on University Facilities’ capital project updates page.