PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh has approved expansion projects that will cost more than $60 million and create nearly 500 construction jobs.

The university says a $32.4 million three-story renovation of its Chevron Science Center will serve its synthetic organic chemistry and biomedical research program.

Along with several other projects announced Monday, the university's latest plans will create four full-time maintenance posts.

The university has also approved construction of a $27.8 million Olympic sports complex that will house men's baseball, women's softball and soccer programs. That project is expected to be completed by fall 2010.