Sources: Gary Leitnaker, 785-532-6277, geleit@k-state.edu; and
Bruce Shubert, 785-532-6228, bshubert@k-state.edu
Artwork available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-6415, bbohn@k-state.edu
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
TOPEKA COMPANY TO BUILD NEW K-STATE PARKING GARAGE
MANHATTAN -- Murray and Sons Construction Company Inc., Topeka, has been selected to build Kansas State University's new parking garage.
The new facility, to be built in the parking lots immediately south of the K-State Student Union, will have 1,384 parking stalls. The current Union lots have about 400 parking spaces.
Gary Leitnaker, assistant vice president of human resources and parking, said increased parking capacity is needed at K-State, especially in Student Union area of campus.
"In a little less than 18 months, our parking capacity will be significantly increased, particularly in that part of campus," Leitnaker said. "With the number of campus buildings and the number of students, faculty, staff and visitors to that area, we need to address the parking deficit."
Construction of the $15.9 million garage is being funded by the sale of revenue bonds that will be repaid through K-State parking system revenue.
Leitnaker said garage construction activity will start soon and have an impact on campus parking and traffic flow. To help with parking during construction, a shuttle bus will provide service from the east Bramlage Coliseum lot to the K-Student Student Union on days classes are in session. The shuttle will operate between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and provide service at 10 minute intervals. Additionally, a shuttle bus will provide service from the West Stadium lot to the Union during evening hours.
Leitnaker said that in the near future, new road signs will be installed that will limit traffic to one lane on the portion of Mid-Campus Drive that borders the construction. Also, traffic from Mid-Campus Drive to 17th Street immediately south of the Union will no longer be allowed.
The university is asking employees, students and visitors to take the time necessary to become familiar with where they will park and with traffic-flow changes during garage construction, Leitnaker said.
"In the end, the new garage will more than make up for the distractions and inconveniences during construction," he said.