Virginia Tech Announces Fall Navigation Plan for North Academic District Construction

BLACKSBURG, Va. — As students, faculty, and staff return to campus for the fall semester, Virginia Tech is rolling out updated pedestrian and accessibility guidance to help the community navigate around ongoing construction in the North Academic District. The initiative addresses active projects, outlines Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant routes, and provides multiple communication channels to keep the campus informed.

The North Academic District is currently home to several key construction and maintenance projects, including:

• ADA-compliant pathway from G. Burke Johnston Student Center to the Drillfield
• ADA-compliant pathway from McBryde Hall to the Drillfield
• Mitchell Hall construction
• Torgersen Hall exterior improvements
• Transit Facility – Maroon Loop bus rapid charger installation

While the Maroon Loop at the Transit Center will remain open to bus traffic, the rapid charger project will continue through March 2026. Officials say no pedestrian or transportation disruptions are expected from that particular project, though changes may occur in other areas as work progresses.

Pedestrians are urged to exercise caution and follow posted directional signage. Accessible and pedestrian pathways, along with emergency and delivery vehicle access, may change throughout the semester. Updates will be shared through Virginia Tech News, the interactive campus map, campus closures map, and on the Division of Facilities’ X (Twitter) and Instagram accounts.

Accessible Route Highlights

Data and Decision Sciences Building to the Drillfield

• Start near the Perry Street Parking Garage and follow the pathway around the Transit Center Orange Loop toward Hitt Hall.
• Use the exterior elevator tower on Hitt Hall’s south side to access level two and the Derring Hall mezzanine.
• Continue past Johnston Student Center toward Pamplin Hall, then take the paved pathway to Drillfield Drive.

McBryde Hall to Burruss Hall

• Exit via McBryde Hall’s southwest entrance.
• Head south along the sidewalk, then west past Holden Hall.
• Continue west to the Burruss Hall tunnel or enter Burruss Hall from the east entrance facing Norris Hall.

Whittemore Hall to Patton Hall

• Begin at Whittemore Hall’s north entrance.
• Head west in front of the Transit Center, then turn left up the ramp beside Whittemore Hall’s west side.
• Travel south between Cowgill and Hancock halls, entering Cowgill Hall from the east and using the interior elevator to level two.
• Exit on the south side, cross Burchard Hall plaza, turn left along the sidewalk to Norris Hall’s north tunnel, and continue south to Patton Hall.

Full Accessible Route Map and ADA Amenities

Pedestrians can access pathways along the Transit Center Loops, between Durham and Whittemore halls, around Mitchell Hall’s fence line, across Burchard Hall Plaza, and in other key campus corridors. ADA parking is available in select locations, including Hahn Hall South, Derring Hall, and lots near Robeson Hall, Cowgill and Hancock halls, and Drillfield Drive.

Exterior elevators are located next to Derring Hall (facing Hitt Hall) and beside the Johnston Student Center. Interior elevators supporting accessible travel can be found in Patton, Norris, Cowgill, Bishop-Favrao, Pamplin, and Derring halls.

Virginia Tech encourages all community members to plan ahead, use the interactive campus tools, and remain alert to signage for real-time route adjustments.

For questions about specific pathways or construction impacts, email vtfacilities@vt.edu or visit the Blacksburg Campus Impacts webpage.

Originally reported by Virginia Tech News.