Summer Road Closures Planned for Campus Construction

Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Carlo Colella sent the following email to faculty, staff, student employees and summer students:

Construction related to the Purple Line has increased on campus this year. We also have many other critical projects underway, including construction of Zupnik Hall and infrastructure improvements. We understand that construction on campus creates challenges for pedestrians and drivers. Please keep in mind that these projects will create lasting change—in particular, the benefits that our campus will see from the Purple Line will be significant and will connect our campus to the surrounding region in new ways.

The university is working with the state to accelerate construction of the Purple Line while minimizing disruption to our community during peak times as much as possible. We will put in place several road closures this summer while the campus is less populated. In addition to Purple Line construction, several other UMD construction projects will impact our campus this summer.

Closures
Here are the changes you can expect to see from May 25 to mid-August (see map):

• Campus Drive will be closed from Paint Branch Drive to Regents Drive for Purple Line construction.
• Campus Drive will be closed from Regents Drive to Union Lane for Purple Line construction.
• Fieldhouse Drive will be closed in the area south of the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center for utility construction.
• Stadium Drive between Paint Branch Drive and Engineering Drive is already closed for construction of the Zupnik Hall engineering building and will remain closed during the summer and beyond.
• Regents Drive Garage will be closed for repairs (beginning June 5). DOTS has directed employees who park in the garage to park in their closest faculty/staff overflow lot.

Impacts

• Vehicle detours will be in place. Please follow the linked map for details.
• Pedestrian detours will be required in many places. All pedestrian detours will be ADA-compliant. (See maps).

Tips for success this summer

• Enter and exit campus from University Boulevard (Maryland Route 193) at the intersections with Paint Branch Drive (near the Xfinity Center), Stadium Drive (near The Clarice) or Campus Drive/Adelphi Road (near the University of Maryland Global Campus).
• Allow extra time to travel around campus. Your typical routes around campus may be closed, and detours are likely to add additional travel time.
• Consider alternate ways for commuting to campus over the summer, such as biking, carpooling or public transportation. Visit the DOTS website to learn more about incentives and resources for sustainable commuting.
• If you are hosting a large event or camp this summer, provide guests and attendees with information regarding closures and detours. All of this information is available on the Purple Line website. Please reach out to purpleline@umd.edu if you have specific questions about guidance for your event or camp.

Stay up-to-date
Please remember that as with any construction project, plans and timelines are subject to change. To find the most up-to-date road closures and detours, please visit the university’s Purple Line website for impacts on campus and the official Purple Line website for impacts beyond campus.

We remind you to use caution and follow all posted signs and flaggers when traveling near construction areas. As always, we appreciate your flexibility as this important project for our campus and entire region continues to make progress.

If you have questions or encounter issues while traveling around campus, please contact purpleline@umd.edu or 301.405.2222.

Sincerely,