Virginia Commonwealth University is gearing up to welcome a record-breaking freshman class this week, marking the start of Welcome Week and the 2022-2023 academic year. As thousands of students and their families descend upon the campus for move-in day, understanding parking and traffic restrictions, especially around key locations like the West Main Street Parking Deck Vcu, is crucial for a smooth experience.
Record Freshman Class Arrives at VCU
VCU anticipates enrolling approximately 31,000 students this fall, with the incoming freshman class reaching an estimated 4,600 students – the largest in the university’s history. This impressive number surpasses the previous record set in 2016, highlighting VCU’s continued growth and appeal. This year’s freshman class is also notably diverse, with 33% identifying as first-generation college students and 55% representing minority groups. A significant majority, around 90%, hail from Virginia, with substantial representation from Northern Virginia and the Richmond metro area. VCU is also welcoming a large cohort of transfer students, predominantly from the Virginia Community College System.
Navigating Traffic and Parking on Move-In Day, Including West Main Street Parking Deck Access
With the influx of students and families, traffic congestion around VCU’s residence halls is anticipated on Saturday, the primary move-in day. Street parking will be significantly limited. To prioritize safety and efficient move-in, several streets near student housing will experience travel restrictions and closures. For those familiar with the area, or planning to visit the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, understanding the access to the West Main Street Parking Deck VCU is important.
Specifically, Laurel Street will be closed between West Grace and West Main streets. Importantly, access to the West Main Street Parking Deck VCU will be maintained for parishioners of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart until 2 p.m. on move-in day. This designated parking arrangement ensures continued access for church services while managing the overall traffic flow for student move-in.
Key Street Restrictions and Closures:
- Franklin Street: Expect lane reductions to one lane for through traffic between Harrison and Belvidere streets. Move-in traffic will also be reduced to a single lane in this section.
- Grace Street: While travel lanes will remain open, anticipate congestion between Ryland and Belvidere streets.
- Cary Street: Similar to Grace Street, lanes will be open, but expect potential congestion between Cherry and Jefferson streets.
- Laurel Street: Closed entirely between West Grace and West Main streets, except for access to the West Main Street Parking Deck VCU for Cathedral of the Sacred Heart parishioners until 2 p.m. Drivers may experience congestion between Cathedral and Cary streets.
- Floyd Avenue: Closed to general through traffic, but accessible for parishioners of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
These traffic restrictions and closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. VCU Police will be managing traffic flow throughout the day to facilitate a safe and organized move-in process.
Plan Ahead for VCU Move-In
VCU encourages everyone to be aware of these traffic changes and plan accordingly. For those visiting or attending services at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, note the designated access to the West Main Street Parking Deck VCU until 2 p.m. via Laurel Street. For all others navigating the VCU area on move-in day, patience and awareness of the temporary traffic patterns will be key to a successful start to the academic year.
