Soon, students will have more parking on Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus. On Monday, the university will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new parking deck.
Student parking has been a major problem on this campus for a very long time. Many students say that finding parking and reaching class on time is a daily struggle.
7 years ago, some people living near campus went to the Augusta Commissioners to complain that AU students were blocking driveways and bus and ambulance access.
The new deck will provide more than 1,300 parking spaces. This is a 60 percent increase in parking capacity.
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University officials hope the new deck will also help deal with overcrowding in nearby areas.
“Right now, we are parking most of our people outside our health sciences campus. There are only about 1500 spaces within our footprint. And so, by adding this new parking facility, we hope to be able to bring in the majority of our people and students who work or attend classes on this campus. It makes it more convenient for them and also a little safer,” said Dale Hartenberg, assistant vice president for Campus Services.
Safety has been a concern for students, as they have to cross train tracks and a busy road to reach the campus. And sometimes they have to do this in the dark.
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“Human nature, as you know, wants everyone to get to the crosswalk. Do things like that. But we also know that there are days when you’re just running behind, and that’s why you’re watching. And so we think that by making it easy and convenient for everyone, we indirectly increase their safety,” Hartenberg said.
The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. near Elm Hall on the Health Sciences Campus.
Preparations for construction on the parking deck have started. It is expected to be completed and in use by spring 2025.
