With kickoff to the Mountaineer football season less than two weeks away, score one for West Virginia Universitys Student Government Association (SGA).

The Willowdale sidewalk project, which runs alongside Milan Puskar Stadium at Mountaineer Field, was completed Friday (Aug. 17), and paving to the connecting roadway from Ira Errett Rodgers Drive (Puskar Center entrance) to Medical Center Drive will take place Thursday (Aug. 23).

The student-driven project, proposed over two years ago, was largely funded from the federal Transportation Enhancement Program with additional support from WVU , the city and county.

Gov. Joe Manchin and Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox joined student leaders and other government officials last fall for an official groundbreaking.

The students are absolutely thrilled that this heavily traveled path will soon be complete,said David Kirkpatrick, SGA president.Not only will it be a safer area for foot, bicycle and vehicular travelers, but it will provide greater access to the stadium, hospital and area residences. I want to thank the administration and our city and state leaders for their support.

Additional lighting in the area will be added in September, officials say.

During paving Wednesday, traffic will be restricted to one lane from approximately 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., said Greg Phillips of the Department of Highways. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use an alternate route if possible.

The access road to WVU Hospitals and NIOSH will remain open, but employees and visitors entering Ira Errett Rodgers Drive to get to the stadium, facilities building or Puskar Center are encouraged to use the upper road from the law school that day for entering and exiting.