Some patience may be needed for commuters and visitors navigating their way this summer to the Health Sciences Campus.

A stretch of Soto Street is being partially closed for construction as part of the Health Sciences Campus Beautification Project.

A south lane of Soto Street will be closed from Alcazar Street to Zonal Street to widen the existing road and add needed sidewalks. This is part of extending Norfolk Street, which is aimed at alleviating future traffic congestion.

“This is a major project that will ultimately benefit the entire campus and surrounding community,” said Robert Scrofano, director of capital construction development.

Because of the construction, traffic delays are expected – especially around peak commute times – during the next five months, Scrofano added.

“Soto Street will be congested through the summer,” Scrofano said.

The lane closure comes amid a construction boom across the Health Sciences Campus. The beautification project will include 12 phases throughout the 79 acres of campus and stretch through spring 2017. It is among five construction projects currently happening across the Health Science Campus.

The beautification project includes new sidewalks with brick banding, a crosswalk with a traffic signal at San Pablo and Alcazar, trees and lighting.

The next phase of the project – which involves closing the southbound lane of Soto Street – began June 1 and will run through October. Construction crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A six-level, 1,200 space parking structure on San Pablo Street, near Valley Boulevard, is on schedule to open by the end of December, Scrofano said.

— Douglas Morino