Portion of Observatory Drive to close for site preparation

A portion of Observatory Drive (east of the pond near the Nielsen Tennis Stadium) will be closed beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14, due to site preparation for construction of the university’s new Pharmacy Building.

Observatory Drive traffic to and from parking lots 60, 70, 76 and Eagle Heights will be re-routed via Walnut Street.

In addition, Marsh Terrace, which runs between Observatory Drive and Highland Avenue, will be reduced from two lanes of traffic in each direction to one lane in each direction on Oct. 14. Drivers should expect delays.

The new north road between Walnut Street and Observatory Drive should be completed and open to all bikes, pedestrians, and vehicular traffic by the end of October, weather permitting. Once that road is done, Marsh Terrace will be closed permanently and construction of the Pharmacy Building will begin.

It is strongly recommended that all UW Hospital and Clinics employees walking to and from lots 60, 70 and 76 use the sidewalk adjacent to the Nielsen Tennis Stadium in order to avoid the construction site near Marsh Terrace.

Bus routes are being re-worked to accommodate the road changes.