UptownSport wrote:Hiawatha is unquestionably a success for riders, tho. The VA built a massive ramp- I'd guess mostly- but at least in part for commuters using their lot as a Park n Ride.
Help me understand this comment, please?
To the best of my knowledge, the new ramp is being built on a section of the lot that is gated and for employees only. There are signs at every entrance stating that unauthorized cars will be towed. I don't think the new ramp has anything to do with commuters using their lot as a Park & Ride. Have you ever tried accessing the VA lots during the 7-9am and 4-6pm time frame? It's a mess - and not something that I think some driver from Eagan would choose - given the fact that there are designated Park & Ride lots at the next stop south of the VA.
Pg. 2 of this PDF:
http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/docs/News ... EC2012.pdf has more information about the ramp (including renderings).
...With the start of parking ramp construction in spring 2013, an estimated 233 surface spaces located in front of
the Minneapolis VA medical center must be vacated for the “construction zone.” For 18 months, heavy
construction equipment and materials will be on site. The ramp, costing nearly $10 million, will consist of 520
spaces with a net increase of 293 spots as a result of displacement of surface parking. The facility will have
four levels (including ground) with future vertical expansion possible for two more levels. A committee
headed by Chief Engineer Steve Challeen with membership of the unions, police and human resources has
been evaluating alternative parking options. That plan will soon be announced. In the meantime, staff
members are strongly encouraged to use alternative transportation – light rail, buses, car pools, van pools,
biking (in good weather). The ramp will be for patients only during regular hours.