Update: Cooper Drive Tunnel Access

Project: Agricultural Research Building Construction
Area/Service Impact: Pedestrian & Vehicular Access via Cooper Drive Tunnel

Work on the Agricultural Research Building on south campus is continuing, and the next phase of the project will impact pedestrian pathways from Kroger Field to the tunnel that runs under Cooper Drive.

Early April to Mid-May
Beginning in early April, contractors will move fencing around the project area. Parking permit holders who park in the Kroger Field lots, including the Orange Lot, will not be able to access the temporary sidewalk around the Tobacco Research and Development Center to the tunnel. Instead, they will be able to follow a pathway around the Plant Science Building. Pedestrians can continue to travel toward central campus via sidewalks on South Limestone or University Drive. (See above graphic.)

Mid-May to Late June
The pedestrian pathway around the Tobacco Research Building will be reopened in mid-May.

July 1 to Mid-August
Direct vehicular access from University Drive to Farm Road will be reopened to allow access to loading docks, and vehicular traffic through the tunnel will be restricted.

All new sidewalks will be available for pedestrian access around the Plant Science Building, Tobacco Research and Development Center, a new teaching greenhouse, and along Veterans Drive from University through the Cooper Drive tunnel. Final site work is expected to be completed before classes begin in Fall 2026.

If you have questions or need more information, please email UK Transportation Services or call 859-257-5757.