A portion of Medical Center Drive will be reduced from four to two lanes starting Oct. 1 – the first visible sign of Vanderbilt University Hospital’s 15-level tower project designed to meet growing patient demand by significantly increasing inpatient capacity.
The first phase of the largest construction project in the hospital’s history starts with adding three floors (600 spaces) to the Central Parking Garage, which is expected to take approximately 20 months.
Medical Center Drive will remain two lanes through the Central Parking Garage expansion. The same two lanes will remain closed for the foreseeable future since they provide essential space to expand the construction footprint for subsequent phases of the multi-year project.
When finished, the lobby entrance of the new 15-level, 470,000-square-foot tower will face 21st Avenue South while its west façade will be connected to VUH’s main structure, located across Medical Center Drive, by bridges spanning the street. The new VUH tower will provide additional adult inpatient beds, operating rooms, clinics, and office space.
“This enormous project is a bricks and mortar example of our commitment to serving patients and their families. The long-term increase in our ability to meet the growing needs of our regional community will far outweigh the short-term adjustments required to take this building from concept to reality,” said John F. Manning, Jr., PhD, MBA, VUMC’s Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Chief of Staff.
Details:
Road Closure: Medical Center Drive reduced to two lane, two-way traffic from beyond the Adult Emergency Department going south to The Vanderbilt Clinic Patient Drop Off starting Oct. 1
- Car Traffic Flow: Onsite signage will direct drivers. Additionally, Community Service Officers will be positioned to help with traffic flow.
- Foot Traffic Flow: Sidewalks on the East side of Medical Center Drive will be closed. Onsite signs will provide specific directions. Portions of sidewalks on 21st Avenue and Pierce Avenue will also be closed.
- No patient drop-off areas, stairwells, elevators, or walkways over Medical Center Drive will be impacted at this time.
