No parking zones, designated drop-off areas to be in place for high school graduations held at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Tassels are preparing to turn as high school graduations kick off next week at Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Siegel Center, and the university has implemented a traffic plan to help families navigate with ease.

With 15 graduations on the calendar -- including nine high schools from Chesterfield County and six high schools from the City of Richmond -- set for May 19 through May 23 and May 28 through May 30, drivers can expect heavier traffic near the Siegel Center.

According to VCU, each graduation ceremony could draw in anywhere from 2,500 to 6,000 attendees.

VCU Police and VCU Parking and Transportation, in collaboration with the City of Richmond, have implemented the following plans to help manage the expected traffic congestion:

Bus drop-off and no parking zones

• There will be "no parking" signs along West Marshall Street, between Bowe Street and North Harrison Street, behind the Siegel Center. Towing enforcement will begin in this area on May 19. The zone will be reserved for the bus drop-off of graduates. VCU Police is reportedly coordinating with the city to create 15-minute parking zones on nearby streets to support local businesses.

Ceremony arrival and pedestrian safety

• The Siegel Center doors will open an hour before the start of each graduation ceremony. Graduating students and guests are advised to plan extra time for travel and parking. Pedestrians must use the crosswalks near the Seigel Center that are managed by police. There will be safety fencing in place along Broad Street and some of the side streets.

Passenger and accessible drop-off information

• Drivers will not be permitted to drop off passengers directly in front of the Siegel Center due to designated travel lanes. A designated drop-off location for passengers and guests with mobility impairments will be available on the eastbound side of the 1200 block of Broad Street. There will be signs posted to assist drivers in finding this area.

Parking pass requirements and arrival instructions

• Guests parking in assigned VCU parking decks must display a blue, red, green, or yellow parking pass, issued by area schools. Additional parking and arrival details can be found here.

Temporary parking relocation for VCU parking subscribers

• There will be temporary parking changes for VCU parking subscribers of the West Broad Street Deck between May 19 through May 23. During the ceremonies scheduled on May 28 through May 30, West Broad Street subscribers will have the option to relocate.
• Bowe Street Deck subscribers will have the option to relocate during both graduation weeks.

For more information about traffic and parking, contact VCU Police's non-emergency number at 804-828-1196.