DENTON (UNT), Texas – Union Circle has long been the main road to the bustling hub in the center of UNT’s campus, with traffic flowing in a clockwise direction around Union Circle Garage. But as of May 14, after the end of the spring semester, a new project in a line of related improvements spearheaded by the city of Denton begins.

“We knew it would be a heavy impact,” said Deputy Director of Capital Projects Seth Garcia. “We have three utility crews that are going to start on each piece of Union Circle to expedite the work as fast as possible. We’re hoping to be completely done, with full road restoration complete by the end of the fall semester.”

The closure of Union Circle also affects access to parking spaces in the Union Circle Garage and Lot 49 (the lot on the northwest side of UCG).

Once the project is finished, Union Circle will permanently reverse direction to counterclockwise, running from Chestnut to Prairie Streets. This change will require parts of Union Circle Garage to be modified for parking access.

“If you’ll bear with us for one long semester, we’ll be out of your hair and you’ll have a great roadway to drive through and around,” Garcia said.

Transportation Services will deploy additional, creative options to increase the number of spaces on campus in the fall.

New concentric hourly parking rates will be introduced, making parking more affordable on the outer edges of campus. To further support this shift, DCTA bus routes around campus will be enhanced, making it easier for students, faculty and staff to access campus from outer parking areas.

Not only will there be improved traffic flow around campus but there also will be improved infrastructure underground that addresses outdated sewage and water pipes before problems arise.

“We're excited to work with our city partners to create a smooth, beautiful new road that will last UNT's community for decades to come,” Assistant Director of Facilities Luke Taylor said.

For an interactive map of construction projects, information on detours and ongoing projects, visit the UNT Facilities Construction and Roadwork page.

For media inquiries, contact Melisa Brown at melisa.brown@unt.edu