SYRACUSE -- If you have ever been to Upstate University Hospital you know that there is a traffic circle in front of the building's main entrance where you can pick up and drop off patients and visitors. It's also used by Centro and medical transportation services. But underground utility work needed for the hospital's new cancer center is forcing it to close the circle for the next four months.  A temporary traffic circle is being set up in the former E-Lot as of today. That is located directly west of the current circle. Here are additional details on the project's impact provided by the hospital:

All shuttle bus service and all other traffic operations will continue in the temporary circle. Spaces for 15-minute patient parking also will be available.  A covered walkway and shuttle stop, and a public safety booth are part of the temporary traffic circle design.  

To ease traffic congestion and enhance patient and visitor access during this time, employee pick-up and drop-off will be moved to alternative locations.    

The following locations are recommended for employee pick-up and drop-off:    

Elizabeth Blackwell Street (garage side of the street)    

Sarah Loguen Street (near the Centro bus shelter on the east side of the street)    

Parking Garage West or East (Parking garage access is free for 30 minutes)    

The temporary traffic circle realignment will change some traffic patterns.  The temporary traffic circle will only be accessible from East Adams Street.  Vehicles will not be able to enter the temporary traffic circle from Sarah Loguen Street.    

Signs outlining the new traffic pattern changes will be installed.    

During this initial transition, the sidewalk on the south side of East Adams Street will be closed from Almond Street to just under the East Adams Street pedestrian bridge.  Pedestrians will be directed to the north side of East Adams Street to travel west to UHCC, the Upstate Outpatient Surgical Center and other outpatient departments at 550 Harrison.      

Hospital Ambassadors and Public Safety officers will be on site to answer questions and provide any assistance needed.