New utilities plant, demolitions, parking changes: Upcoming impacts of UK Hospital expansion

The University of Kentucky announced plans to make major steps forward in its massive infrastructure project to expand Albert B. Chandler Hospital.

But the news is not just about the new utilities plant UK is building. There are also short-term updates to traffic, parking and tailgating affected by the plans.

Here’s what to know:

• UK HealthCare will build a $580 million utilities plant on Hospital and University drives through a public-private partnership with Kentucky Infrastructure Partners to support the planned expansion of Chandler Hospital.
• The new utility plant is essential because the hospital’s current heating and cooling systems cannot support an expansion, UK HealthCare spokesperson Lindsay Travis said. Thousands of patients are turned away each year because current facilities are at capacity.
• Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 800 Rose St. will expand to house around 1,400 more beds.
• Traffic changes will begin in mid-June along University Drive between Complex and Cooper drives, where both directions of traffic will transition to the northbound side of the roadway.
• More than 800 parking spaces on the campus’ south end will permanently close starting July 13, including the University Drive Garage (PS #1) and street parking on Veterans Drive.
• Tailgaters who use the University Drive Garage may be relocated to other areas on campus, according to UK Athletics spokesperson Jake Most.
• The Agricultural Science Center North, the W.P. Garrigus Building and other facilities will eventually be demolished to make space for the hospital expansion.

The summary points above are based on the reporting of Herald-Leader journalists. The roundup was produced with the assistance of AI. Herald-Leader reporters and an editor reviewed this story for accuracy. You can read more about our AI policy here.