FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Announces Parking and Traffic Plan for Fall Semester 2003

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, August 20, 2003 — SDSU announced today a traffic and parking management plan designed to help students and others visiting the university access the campus as easily as possible during the first few weeks of the fall semester, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 2.

“We are implementing a number of strategies, such as using traffic controllers around campus and valet parking in some lots, to make getting in and out of campus as hassle-free as possible,” said Mike Smoger, assistant director of SDSU Public Safety. “The best thing students and other visitors can do to ease the situation is to plan ahead, arrive as early as possible and consider using alternative routes to campus or public transit.”

As part of the plan, students are encouraged to park on the east side of campus in parking structures 3 and 6. As in the past, valet parking will be available in lots C and D located off Alvarado Road. In addition, valet parking will be in several other lots as needed; look for direction from the traffic control personnel. The Red and Black Shuttle system has several pick-up/drop-off points around the campus, making it more convenient for students to park in outlying lots. The main parking information kiosk is located on the first floor of the Chemical Sciences Laboratory building on the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive.

Most major construction on the underground Trolley station and tunnel on campus (due to open in 2005) is complete. Parking lots currently affected by construction include:

· E lot (student), located just north of Structure 6 on the east side of campus, is closed due to the construction of a new child care facility by Associated Students.

· W lot (student, visitor and faculty/staff), located adjacent to Parking Structure 4, is closed. Additional faculty/staff parking is available on level three of Parking Structure 4. West side visitor pay parking is located in Parking Structure 5 at the intersection of 55th Street and Montezuma Road.

· East side visitor pay parking is located in Parking Structure 6, north of Parking Structure 3 on East Campus Drive.

· S Lot, located west of Tony Gwynn Stadium, has been made available for commuter use.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since its founding in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's degrees in 64 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

* Editor’s Note: Please refer to the Parking Tips sheet that follows for more information.

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SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
PARKING & TRAFFIC TIPS

SDSU’s fall semester begins on Tuesday, September 2. Traffic levels are unusually high during the first two weeks of the semester, and although roughly the same amount of parking is available as last year, construction projects are altering some traditional access routes. To help students and other visitors get to and from the campus as easily as possible, SDSU’s Parking Office offers the following tips.

1. Plan your Travel Time and Arrive Early
It is always advisable to arrive as early as possible, especially for classes starting before noon. Parking structures on the west side of campus will likely be full after 8:30 a.m., so plan to use alternate locations after that time.

2. Use Alternatives to College Avenue
Consider the following alternatives to using the College Avenue exit from Interstate 8:

· Use the Interstate 8 exit at 70th Street. Take 70th Street south to El Cajon Boulevard; turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard. Turn right on Montezuma Road to the access roads for parking structures 3 and 6.

· Use State Route 94. Exit at College Avenue and approach campus from the south. Take College Avenue to Montezuma Road; turn right or left, depending upon your destination.

· Exit Fairmont Road from Interstate 8. Take Fairmont south and merge onto Montezuma Road. Turn left on 55th Street to enter Parking Structure 5, underneath the track and field complex.

· If you must approach the campus on I-8 eastbound to the College Avenue exit, please use extreme caution as I-8 has been modified from the I-15 connector due to Trolley construction.

3. Park on the East Side of Campus
If arriving on campus after 8 a.m. during the first several weeks, the best option is to park east of College Avenue, in lots C or D or in parking structures 3 or 6. The Red and Black Shuttle system is available for transportation to the west side of campus between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the semester.

4. Park-and-Bike
Drive to an area near the campus, park on a city street and then ride a bike onto campus. Be careful, since the city streets immediately surrounding the campus are a "B" Parking zone, which requires a city-issued permit. The best place to park-and-bike is off Montezuma Road toward El Cajon Boulevard. The bike ride is approximately one mile, and it is level.

5. Use Public Transportation
Riding the San Diego Transit bus (1-800-COMMUTE) is a great idea, and subsidized bus passes are available to students at the Aztec Center box office.

6. Carpool with Friends
Although a carpool with friends may not be feasible throughout the semester, try it for the first several weeks. Not only will it save on gas, but parking spaces will be saved as well.

7. Schedule Late Afternoon and Evening Classes
If you have a choice in class schedules/times, try to take late afternoon, evening or Friday classes. Parking demand is lower during these times. If possible, avoid classes that meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, when parking demand is usually greatest.

8. Use the Campus Escort Service
To protect your safety, use the Escort Service. This service is available from dusk to dawn, and can be accessed to and from all campus locations, including parking lots. From campus call 4-6659. You also can use any campus pay phone (no charge) or Emergency telephone.

9. Visitors Use Parking Information Booth
Located on the first floor of the Chemical Sciences Building (on the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive), the parking information booth can help direct visitors to open parking lots and give directions to campus locations.

10. Valet Service
As in the past, valet service, free of charge, will be provided in Lots C and D on Alvarado Road. In addition, if C and D Lots fill, SDSU will have the capability to expand valet service. Please follow the directions of traffic control staff.

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