which had been slated to open on Oct. 1, is still under construction.

Rain and demolition work during the summer slowed construction of the new lot at the north corner of Garfield Avenue and Ninth Street, said Gary Reed, director of facilities planning and management.

“Weather delays and a delay in the demolition of the original structures” on the site caused the delay, Reed said.

The site has been graded, covered in gravel and surrounded by curbing, he said. It has not yet been paved, Reed added. The lot should be available for parking this month, he said.

“(The) project should be ready for use in October,” Reed said.

Once complete, the lot will provide parking for staff and students, said John Hatfill, lieutenant for the University Police Department.

“It will be the same as the lot across (Garfield),” Hatfill said. “You will need a valid parking permit to park in those lots from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

The new lot will also be closed to parking from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Joe Astrouski can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmastrouski@eiu.edu.