Skybridges Provide Access to Buildings During Ongoing North Mall Enhancement Project

Renovation of the north end of campus began during winter break as part of the University’s Campus Landscape Enhancement Project by landscape architect Peter Walker. The project extends north from the Trellis to the Administration Building and will bring a more park-like environment to the north mall.

The north mall will remain closed to pedestrians throughout the project, which is expected to take at least a year. Pedestrians will be able to use skybridges and perimeter entrances to access the affected buildings during the renovation, which include the Administration Building, Erik Jonsson Academic Center, University Theatre, Founders North Building, Founders Building, Cecil and Ida Green Center, and Cecil H. Green Hall. Temporary pathways will be created for scheduled events or performances at the University Theatre, and patrons will be provided with parking and entrance details prior to events.  

Access to the Eugene McDermott Library, Student Union and the south part of the mall will remain unaffected. Spirit Rock has been temporarily relocated in front of the Activity Center and the Love Jack has been temporarily relocated west of Jonsson. Bike racks have also been relocated to the accessible perimeters of the affected buildings.

Students, faculty, staff and visitors should expect loud noise levels and increased construction traffic as the project continues. Campus community members and visitors are encouraged to allow additional travel time to reach their destinations. Pedestrians coming from the residence halls are encouraged to walk on the west side of Rutford Drive as they travel toward their destinations. Drivers may experience some delays as large trucks move in and out of campus, and road flaggers will be on hand to direct traffic as necessary.

Parking Changes, Other Campus Improvements

Parking lot P closed indefinitely and lot O closed permanently to support the construction of the new Bioengineering and Sciences Building near the Natural Science and Engineering Research Lab (NSERL). Drivers who previously used these lots should park in lots A, B and T. An additional 153 temporary spaces are also available in the parking lot adjacent to the Synergy Park North (SPN) office building for those with an active UT Dallas parking permit. To help commuters reach their destinations more quickly, Parking and Transportation is piloting an enclosed passenger shuttle route that will run from the SPN lot to NSERL from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pedestrian access to the main entrance of NSERL has also been altered due to construction of the Bioengineering and Sciences Building. A temporary asphalt sidewalk has been added to the north side of the building that will lead pedestrians to the east side and the courtyard. From the south, use the existing sidewalk along the west side of the building and then connect to the asphalt sidewalk.

Pedestrians should be aware of utility work along the Loop Road sidewalk heading south by North Lab and the English Language Center. The area will have pedestrian access through a fenced path until work is completed in March, weather permitting.

Additionally, partial areas of lots H and I will be closed as crews lay the groundwork for the future installment of temporary modular buildings in the berm area between the two lots. Crews are also working to complete flooring refurbishment inside the Jonsson Center and first-floor interior renovations to Green Hall in the next two weeks.