PTS Announces Improved Pedestrian Connections From Orange Lot
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 11, 2016) — In the coming months, pedestrian access from the Commonwealth Stadium area to the core of the University of Kentucky campus will be improved, thanks to a partnership between UK Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) and the Physical Plant Division (PPD).
The departments are collaborating to provide sidewalks that will offer an improved pedestrian connection from the Orange Lot at the corner of University and Alumni Drives to the Cooper Drive tunnel protected pedestrian area, and finally, north of the tunnel area to Hospital Drive.
While the Orange Lot offers convenient and frequent shuttle service to the UK HealthCare campus, a large number of employees choose to walk the final portion of their commute.
“Enhancement of the pedestrian connection between the Orange Lot and Hospital Drive is a direct response to customer feedback,” said Lance Broeking, director of UK Parking and Transportation Services. “PTS recognizes the importance of a walkable campus and fully supports members of the campus community who are interested in integrating personal wellness goals into their daily commute.”
The Orange Lot opened in fall 2014 with 1,236 parking spaces. The lot was expanded last summer and now houses 1,771 parking spaces, primarily meeting the south campus access needs of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and UK HealthCare.
“Campus Physical Plant has a pool of funds dedicated to annual sidewalk repair,” explained Kevin Kriede, director of Campus Physical Plant. “When PTS approached us about this project, it made sense as a good fit for the faculty, staff and students who park in the area.”
The installation of the sidewalks meets one of the directives of the recent Transportation Master Plan — a focus on finding alternative ways for people to get to, from and around campus. This goal includes increased campus access and mobility on foot.
The sidewalks are expected to be completed by the start of fall semester.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu