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- Capital Projects
Freshman Quad Steam Pipe Replacement Project
Project Overview
Work will begin in late August to replace the steam pipe beneath the Freshman Quad. This essential infrastructure upgrade is a critical step towards transitioning the campus away from fossil fuels to a hot water heating system, aligning with JHU’s broader sustainability and decarbonization goals outlined in the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan. The new line also enables the future construction of the new AMR-I, scheduled to begin in May 2026. Though this work will create disruption—including noise and changes to pedestrian pathways—it has been carefully timed to begin after first-year student move-in and before the start of classes. This strategy, developed in partnership with Student Affairs, helps minimize disruption during orientation and gives students time to adjust to new campus routes early in the semester.
Project Timelines and Working Hours
- Construction Start: August 2025
- Estimated Completion: February 2026
- Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Equipment setup may begin at 8 a.m.
- Work includes excavation, welding, and material deliveries
- Phase I: August–November 2025 estimated (Pathway between AMR-I and AMR-II)
- Phase II: November 2025–February 2026 estimated (Expanded access and fence reduction)
Construction Zone and Access Impacts
- Construction fencing will enclose parts of the Freshman Quad
- Detour signage and maps will guide pedestrians around the area
- A temporary path will be added to maintain ADA access between AMR-I and AMR-II (phase I)
- An accessible pathway will be maintained between AMR-I and campus
- Use the JHU Wayfinding App for the latest walking routes
What to Expect
- Construction fencing, scrim, and signage in key areas
- Temporary detours and rerouted foot traffic
- Heavy machinery and equipment on site
- Noise during approved hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Limited access to some grassy areas on the quad
- Additional lighting and security monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all main entrances will remain open. As construction continues, communication between the construction manager and student services will be ongoing to ensure safe and reliable access.
From AMR-I, the most efficient route to Hopkins Café is around the construction fence, going toward the Homewood Museum and veering right. Other access routes will not be changed.
Approximately four pedestrian paths leading in and out of AMR-I will be closed. Detour signage will be in place, and the JHU Wayfinding App will provide real-time alternate routes.
Most of the noise from this project will be emitted through the engine noise of dump trucks and excavating machinery, with occasional spikes in noise from offloading materials such as piping and stone.
Construction will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m. The 9 a.m. start was intentional (and unusual for construction work) to limit early morning noise for college students. There may be audible noise as the team prepares to begin and finish their shift, before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
The conversion from steam to hot water heating is a cornerstone of our net-zero strategy as outlined in JHU’s Climate Action and Sustainability Plan. It will improve campus energy efficiency and resilience.
Any part of the Freshman Quad that is not blocked by the construction fence is safe to use, just as you would any other grassy area on campus. Outdoor recreation, relaxation, and events will continue to take place across campus in our many other quads and patios.
During the second phase of work, likely at the beginning of November, the fence will be pulled back, opening up more of the quad. Students will be informed of this through appropriate channels.
An accessible path will be maintained between the library and AMR-I. An additional path will be installed to ensure this current route is uninterrupted. For the most up-to-date accessible routes, refer to the Wayfinding App.
Additional lighting will be added along the top of the fence. Existing blue light phones will not be impacted by construction. Security features on the Quad will continue to operate as normal. We are in the process of reviewing this plan with Rex from Public Safety.
No electric bikes or scooters are permitted on campus. During Phase I construction, all permitted modes of travel can use the temporary pathway between AMR I and II.
Yes. Wayfinding signage will be posted around the project site to guide pedestrians around campus. These signs will be updated as the project progresses.
Once a full scope of work has been established, JHFRE and Student Affairs will communicate specific impacts with stakeholder groups. We are working to minimize impacts. The majority of construction teams will arrive together and park within the construction fence. Based on the project’s location, workers who arrive individually will likely pay for street or garage parking.
We anticipate the Freshman Quad becoming 100% usable in February 2026. Annual university events, such as the Blue Jay Bash, will be held in alternate spaces.