The recent construction in the Koenig Plaza has caused some minor problems for the students of Saint Louis University.

Detours through tunnels and back doors have caused some to be late to class. Also, some students were disturbed by the excessive noise pollution during the first few days of the project.

The reason for all of the work lies below the ground. The tunnels, laboratories and auditoriums under the plaza have recently experienced problems with leakage.

“The structural deck located below the plaza level has serious structural leaks. The adjoining buildings, as well as the underground lecture halls, routinely flood, even in a light rain.,”said Chuck Smith, Associate Vice President of Facilities Services.

He added that “valuable research projects have been jeopardized” by the leaks.

The project is expected to be completed by August 15 of this year. It was started this semester because of the desire to complete it before the beginning of next semester. When the structural problems are fixed, a new plaza will replace the old one.

“Construction is occurring now as the duration of the project was such that it could not be completed by fall if it was not started now,” Smith said.

As for the current problems of noise pollution and detours, Smith stated that air-hammer work was necessary on the first two days of the project.

Due to the excessive noise and disruptions, all subsequent air-hammer work will be done after 2 p.m.

The Office of the Registrar has reported that a few classes were relocated because of the noise pollution on the first few days of the project, which “appeared to be the best option during this initial period of demolition,” Smith said.

Smith added that, “Signs were and are posted to direct individuals” through the tunnels.

When interviewed, students expressed their concern over the noise problems and the lack of signs posted to help them navigate the tunnels.

Freshman Jen Brock said, “I did not appreciate the noise as I was concentrating on my exam.” Brock also had difficulty finding Chemistry lab because of the tunnels.

“If I had not been with someone who knew where they were going, I would not have been able to find my way to class,” stated Bethany Oitker, a physical therapy student.