LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky will begin major utility construction work on June 15 that will close the southbound lane of University Drive and significantly impact traffic, parking and pedestrian routes on the South Campus for approximately one year, according to a university announcement.

The work is part of a $580 million Utilities Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership designed to install new steam and chilled water utility lines necessary to support the Chandler Hospital expansion and future campus growth. The project includes a new central utility plant, connected distribution system and modernized heating and cooling systems.

Beginning Monday, the southbound lane between Complex and Cooper drives will close. To maintain two-way traffic, on-street parking and bicycle lanes will be removed, with southbound traffic shifting to the northbound section. Travel lanes will be narrowed and turn lanes eliminated at Cooper Drive. The corridor remains critical for campus and city transit, emergency vehicles and healthcare deliveries.

The University Drive Garage (PS#1) will permanently close on July 13 to facilitate central utility plant construction. However, preliminary work, including construction fencing installation, begins Monday. The closure will eliminate 812 parking spaces, but the university is converting 842 spaces in the Kroger Field North Red Lot and south of Cooper Drive to employee parking to offset the loss.

Western sidewalks on University Drive between Complex and Cooper drives will close for the duration of the project. The western crosswalk at Cooper Drive will close the week of June 15 for tree removal and fence installation, with pedestrians rerouted to the eastern side of University Drive.

University officials urged the campus community to seek alternate transportation routes and consider shifting parking in advance of the garage closure. The Orange Route shuttle offers park-and-ride options, and detailed walking route maps are available online.