Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees Tuesday opened bids for reconstruction of the main entrance on Cherry Grove Road.

Commenting on this latest project, SMC Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews said, “The reconstruction of the Cherry Grove Road entrance and connecting street will remove from the campus a safety hazard which has been a concern since student enrollment and campus traffic have reached current-day levels.

“The new boulevard-like street will eliminate the potentially dangerous two-way traffic, creating instead one eastbound and one westbound lane separated by a median.

“Enhanced lighting at the entrance and on the new entrance street will be an additional campus safety feature. Student and public safety is a top priority at SMC and this project adds to the safety of all who visit or use college services and facilities. This project has been anticipated and funds reserved for it over several years and will require no new resources

“The established campus buildings, plus the beautiful new dorms and recently remodeled buildings have helped make Southwestern Michigan College one of the most attractive, student friendly and efficient college campuses in the state.

“However, the current entrance and entrance street are, with some modification years ago, basically what was built in 1966 when traffic flow was a fraction of what it is today. This  project will not only make the campus safer and more efficient, but the entrance itself will be very attractive and will present a first impression image which will be consistent with the overall campus image and collegiate atmosphere.” Chairman Mathews said.

The board referred the bids to the administration with authorization to award the contract to the lowest bidder meeting specifications.