Several construction projects mean parking will be at a premium on campus as everyone gears up for the beginning of classes on Thursday.

Several parking spaces in Zone 3 have been lost because of construction of the new student residence and at the Arthur Bourns Building. Additional spaces will be lost during the expansion of the E. T. Clarke Centre and the Tandem Accelerator Laboratory.

The addition of more than 100 spaces in the Zone 3 annex means that all valid permit holders should be able to find a spot — just.

Parking & Transit Services manager John Abraham said everyone with a valid parking permit should allow extra time to find a spot.

“Parking will be very tight,” said Abraham.

Visitors to the west side of campus will not be permitted in Zone 3.

They will be rerouted to Zone 6/7 and can take the shuttle bus or they can go to Zone 1 and walk back. Visitors to the north end of campus will go to Zone 1 to park.

Abraham said everyone parking on campus will have to adjust.

“The secret is to allow yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment. You may have to spend an extra 15 minutes to get to your destination. Please obey signage and parking control officers.”

Abraham said undergraduate parking permits for Zones 6/7 were released to anyone who applied before July 31. That means the parking areas are oversold and will be busy, Abraham said.

“They will have to allow more time and we will get them parked,” he said.

Two more lots in Zone 7 won't be completed for the beginning of term so Parking & Transit Services will be using environmentally-friendly paint to mark out parking spaces on the grass and the ball diamond in a bid to ensure the space is well used and as a safety measure. The painting substance will not harm or burn the grass, Abraham said.

Visitors may be able to purchase parking on a daily basis, but there may be times when the lots are full and they will be turned away, he added.

Abraham said all drivers and pedestrians need to take extra care when travelling on campus this fall as there will be several heavy vehicles and supply trucks travelling on site due to construction projects.

“Remember, McMaster is predominately a pedestrian-oriented campus,” Abraham said.