Construction projects and bridge repairs will soon put the squeeze on campus drivers. The good news: When the dust settles, Thurston Avenue Bridge will have been widened to better accommodate pedestrian, bicycle and car traffic, and Hoy parking garage will have an additional 190 spaces.
University officials are working closely with the city of Ithaca and the Thurston Bridge contractor to maintain optimal access for drivers, TCAT passengers and pedestrians during the construction period. Discussion of the most efficient and least disruptive detours is ongoing and will be announced when plans are final.
Here's a look at some major changes to come:
The visitor parking lot between Teagle Hall and Lynah Rink will close March 11, and a loading dock for the new Life Sciences Technology Building will be installed in the area (see "C" on map). Visitors are encouraged to use the lot behind the Friedman Wrestling Center.
Thurston Avenue Bridge will be closed to northbound traffic beginning around March 20 until the widening project is completed in mid-fall 2007 (see "A" on map). One lane will remain open for southbound traffic only. At times, pedestrians will be asked to reroute to the Beebe Lake footbridge. The Thurston Bridge will briefly close completely in early August 2006 and again from around March to mid-fall 2007.
In the early phases of the project, the intersection at University and East Avenues will be improved.
Hoy parking garage will be reduced to 50 to 75 percent use during summer 2006 as construction crews add another level of parking (see "D" on map). The entire garage should be accessible by spring 2007, said David Lieb, Cornell assistant director for public information in the Office of Transportation and Mail Services.
The parking lot in front of Bailey Hall will be closed to make way for a new pedestrian plaza (see "B" on map). Construction is slated to begin in June following Alumni Reunion.
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In the early phases of the project, the intersection at University and East Avenues will be improved.