LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky will permanently close University Drive Garage and adjacent parking areas on Monday, July 13, according to an announcement from UK Transportation Services. All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m., when the closure takes effect.

The closures support the Albert B. Chandler Hospital expansion project, which will increase inpatient bed capacity to approximately 1,400. The garage demolition will clear space for the hospital expansion and related infrastructure improvements. Veterans Drive on-street parking and portions of the Garrigus Lot and Ag Greenhouse area parking will also permanently close the same day.

The hospital expansion project carries an estimated cost of nearly $3 billion and addresses aging facilities in the original sections of Chandler Hospital, which opened in 1962. UK HealthCare has faced steady increases in inpatient volumes, making expanded capacity essential to serving the Commonwealth's healthcare needs.

The university is working to mitigate parking impacts by directing employees to alternative parking areas. Employees may use the Kroger Field Orange Lot, North Red Lot or Gluck Lot. Those using the Orange Route shuttle service can park at Kroger Field and access the service starting at 5 a.m. weekdays, with additional service beginning at 8 a.m. from the North Red Lot.

The Cooper Drive underpass will close simultaneously with the parking facilities. UK Transportation Services recommends avoiding University Drive between Complex and Cooper drives when possible to maintain traffic flow for transit, delivery and emergency vehicles. Commuters should allow extra time to accommodate the changes and watch for construction activity in the area.

For additional details and frequently asked questions, employees and students can visit transportation.uky.edu/chandler-hospital-expansion-parking-impacts. Updates will continue throughout the construction period through UK Transportation Services' email newsletter and social media accounts.