First of all: a project of updating parking ramp lighting to LED lights resulted in a temporary decrease in the number of parking spaces. Quite a large number of spaces were blocked off to allow workers and equipment to reach light fixtures high above the floor. This project is now completed, so the total spaces should be back to normal.

Second: several things have contributed to recent parking crunches. Inclement weather can cause increased demand for parking spaces because people are more likely to drive to campus and park as close to their destination as possible. Because we can’t control the weather, the best solution is to allow more time to locate a parking space, and if the last remaining spaces are far from your desired location, allow even more time for walking to your destination. Come early; browse the Book store or enjoy the lounge.

Although many of our members are now finding that the Green line light rail also works very well in getting to Coffman, there is a way to park on campus and stay dry and warm in spite of the weather...and that is the Gopher way!

Admittedly, the Gopher way is probably not the most direct route to your destination and may require use of stairs and/or elevators to access different levels of some routes, but the signage should help you find your way. Once you have become accustomed to the route, it goes quite smoothly. For information about the Gopher way, look at the Biking and Gopher way map available at: https://www1.umn.edu/pts/maps/Library/pdf/BikeGoMpls.pdf

If you haven’t used the Gopher way to get to Coffman, print out a copy of this map to carry with you when you first explore how to get from A to X! There are numerous parking ramps and lots that might be alternatives to the East River Road Garage next to Coffman Memorial Union. The following list shows the capacity of the ramps. The list is arranged approximately according to proximity and access to Coffman Union. Most surface lots are located farther away.

Avoid the Fairview Patient/Visitor Ramp On Delaware Street SE.  Although this ramp is close to the Phillips-Wangensteen/Moos Tower complex and connected via the Gopher Way, this parking ramp is not part of the University of Minnesota and therefore will not accept the UMRA parking discount coupons.

— John Anderson, [email protected]