University Police, Parking Services announce summer parking lot construction closures

Beginning June 13, there will be multiple upgrades to some of the parking lots on Western’s campus. As part of Western’s Comprehensive Parking Master Plan (http://www.wwu.edu/ps/doc/pk/DraftComprehensiveParkingMasterPlan.pdf), these upgrades will repair deteriorating parking lots, prevent pot holes, address storm water environmental issues and pave several of our gravel lots.

With any project of this size and magnitude, there will be inevitable inconveniences and disruptions. Please know that we have done much already to minimize the impact of these projects. The lots that will be upgraded and improved this summer include 7G, 3R, 12A, 26CP, 18R, 19G, and C/CR (north of Harrington Field).

During this time, Western encourages parkers to utilize the Lincoln Creek Transportation Center as an alternative to parking on campus. To make this as simple and easy as possible you can obtain a free Lincoln Creek parking permit on the Parking portal link (https://wwuparking.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal); standard WTA bus fees still apply for the ride from Lincoln Creek to campus.

The construction schedule for the lots is below:

7G/3R: Begins on June 13, with anticipated completion before Fall 2016 classes begin. The construction of these two lots will be split—one side of the lot will be available for parking while the other side is under construction. Permit holders will be notified by Parking Services of the reassignment options via email no later than June 6.

19G: Begins on June 13, with anticipated completion on June 24, 2016. Permit holders will be notified by Parking Services of the reassignment options via email no later than June 6.

12A/26CP/18R: Begins on June 13, with anticipated completion on September 1, 2016. Permit holders will be notified by Parking Services of the reassignment options via email no later than June 6, 2016.

C/CR (north of Harrington Field): Begins on June 13, with anticipated completion on July 31.

In addition to the WWU parking lot upgrades, it is important to be aware that the City of Bellingham will be resurfacing Bill McDonald Parkway (https://wwuparking.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal). Western has worked hard in partnering with the City of Bellingham to minimize the impact and disruption to the campus community.

The project will have two phases. During the first phase, a portion of the roadway will be closed from June 12 to Aug. 20. Access to the C lots will remain available from Bill McDonald via West College Way. (http://wwwtest.wwu.edu/ps/announce/pk/Town_Hall_Apr-22-2016.pdf)

Phase two will begin on Aug. 21, and is anticipated to end on Sept. 9. While the roadway will be closed, drivers may access Campus Services from Bill McDonald Parkway at 21st St.

Western has also been actively working with WTA to realign the bus stops and potential services to reduce the impact to the community. Information will be provided to the campus community as soon as it is available.

In summary, while these improvements are exciting and needed; we are working diligently to lessen the disruption and inconveniences during this time. We are committed to providing regular updates via the Parking Services webpage and other media. We encourage all interested parties to check our webpage frequently for the most current condition of our roadways and the parking system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Parking Services at parking@wwu.edu.