LEXINGTON, Ky. — Parking disruptions will begin this week near the University of Kentucky's agricultural greenhouses as contractors start geotechnical drilling to support construction of a major new research facility.

Employee intermediate (E) permit holders who typically park around the agricultural greenhouses near Hospital Drive should expect intermittent parking-related impacts starting Monday, April 20, according to UK. Some parking spaces along Veterans Drive near University Drive Garage (PS #1) will also be unavailable during that time.

Contractors will collect geotechnical drilling samples starting April 20, weather permitting, continuing throughout the week. Parking spaces will be closed on an as-needed basis, depending upon the drilling rig location, with not all spaces unavailable at the same time. Individuals traveling in the vicinity should expect minor traffic-related impacts and exercise caution.

The drilling is part of preliminary work for UK's $184 million Agricultural Research Building, which is expected to be completed in November 2026. The 263,000-square-foot facility, designed by BHDP Architecture and Flad Architects, will house state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, greenhouses and cutting-edge technology.

The building will serve as the research hub for UK's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, with research focused on animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant sciences, plant pathology and soil science. When completed, it will be located on the south side of the main campus, creating what the university describes as a dynamic agricultural campus alongside other planned facilities.

The Agricultural Research Building is part of a broader $500 million infrastructure transformation for the college. For more information about the geotechnical work, contact Ryan Girves at ryan.girves@uky.edu or 859-323-8464.