AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta University’s long-standing parking issues may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the completion of a new $36.5 million parking deck designed to alleviate congestion around campus. For years, local residents and students have clashed over street parking, with complaints of cars blocking driveways and trash bins. However, with the opening of the new facility, university officials are hopeful that both sides will benefit.

Dr. Russell Keen, president of Augusta University, emphasized that the deck is a critical step toward improving campus life for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. “Now that we’ve got the capacity for students and faculty and staff and visitors to park on campus, there’s going to be less congestion around campus,” Keen said. “It’s going to provide more free-flowing traffic, fewer wait times, and it’s going to contribute to the vibrant college campus we’ve been working to build.”

The new parking deck, which spans five levels, is designed to accommodate a growing university population while easing parking challenges for surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the facility features electric vehicle charging stations on levels 2 through 5, further supporting sustainability efforts on campus.

For Augusta University, the parking deck symbolizes more than just a solution to parking struggles. “It’s certainly a signal, both internally and externally, of the growth that’s taking place at Augusta University,” Keen added.

With the university’s continued expansion and a larger number of students and staff requiring access to campus, this new infrastructure is expected to foster smoother traffic flow and support a more convenient experience for everyone involved. Local residents and students alike are optimistic that the new deck will resolve many of the parking issues that have historically plagued the area.

As Augusta University continues to grow, the parking deck stands as a sign of progress — both for the campus and the surrounding community.