Garland Avenue and South Drive closures, blasting and night work planned for Stevenson Center 6 construction
Beginning this month, there will be multiple road closures and blasting operations as construction advances on the Stevenson Center 6, Central Utilities Initiative, Central Neighborhood Residential Colleges and Peabody Residential College projects.
Central Utilities Initiative, Central Neighborhood Residential Colleges
Garland Avenue to close 
The eastern end of Garland Avenue will close from Monday, May 11, through Tuesday, Sept. 15, to install thermal utilities. During the closure, commuters will use a temporary two-way access road off 24th Avenue South to reach Stevenson Center Lane (see map above).
The western end of Garland Avenue will close from Monday, June 22, through Monday, Nov. 9, for installation of thermal, storm, sanitary, electrical and telecommunications utilities. Lot 18, adjacent to Olin Avenue, will reopen June 22, allowing closure of Lot 16 south of the Studio Arts building so utility work can continue in that area (see map above).
Traffic control staff and signs will be deployed during the closure. Temporary pedestrian pathways will be highlighted and separated from construction areas by perimeter fencing to maintain safety and accessibility. Buses will be rerouted to Highland Avenue to access Stevenson Center Lane and the VUMC roundabout near Eskind.
New McTyeire parking lot to be installed
A new parking lot east of McTyeire is expected to open by Friday, May 15. After the lot opens, access to Lot 31, the Residence 7 lot north of McTyeire, will close Wednesday, May 20, so crews can install utilities in this area. Pedestrians and drivers parking west of McTyeire will not be able to use the pathway between Residence 7 and McTyeire. The goal is to move affected parkers to one of the new lots at McTyeire.
In addition, the contractor will build a delivery access road near the Zerfoss Student Health Center for the Division of Animal Care and adjust their site fencing on Sunday, June 14.
Pedestrian access to VUMC will stay open and will be separated from the new delivery road with barrier systems.
Stevenson Center 6
Blasting to start May 25
Rock blasting at the SC6 site is scheduled to begin May 25, and is expected to last until mid-August. Blasting will happen between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Typical times will be 9 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Standard blasting signals will be used.
- Three air-horn blasts will sound five minutes before a shot, followed by three short blasts one minute before detonation.
- A single prolonged blast will signal the all-clear after inspection.
Traffic on Stevenson Center Lane will be stopped during each blast, but access to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center roundabout will remain open. Blasting activities will comply with Tennessee Blasting Standards, which regulate vibration and noise levels. If permitted thresholds are exceeded, the contractor will adjust.
Tower crane erection July 17–19
The SC6 tower crane is scheduled to be assembled from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19. The new McTyeire-area parking lot will still be available Friday, though short closures may occur as an assist crane is positioned. Access through the VUMC “gothic door” will be maintained with traffic control, but pedestrians may experience brief delays.
The parking lot and gothic door access will be fully closed July 18–19 while crane components are delivered and assembled.
Peabody Residential College
Peabody roundabout to close May to August
Starting Sunday, May 10, the roundabout and connected sidewalks between Memorial, Stambaugh, East and Crawford houses will close until August 2026.
The egress from these buildings to the roundabout and nearby sidewalks will be closed for the duration of the project; pedestrians should follow the signs in and around the buildings.
Sidewalk in front of Wyatt Center to closeThe entrance, stairs and sidewalk of the Wyatt Center along the Peabody Esplanade will be closed from Monday, May 11, to Friday, July 31, to install storm drains and new hardscape.
South Drive behind the Wyatt Center to close
South Drive along the back of the Wyatt Center will be closed to traffic from Monday, May 11, to Friday, July 31, to install storm drains, sanitary lines and to widen the roadway. The remainder of South Drive is now a dismount zone; pedestrians should dismount bikes and scooters in the area. Signs are posted to distinguish the dismount zone.
To stay in the know as we grow, follow Facilities on Instagram at @FacilitiesVU for the latest updates.
If you have questions about construction, please email constr_alerts@vanderbilt.edu.
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