As many Clemson students found out after returning from winter break, parking lot C-5 was closed at the end of last December. It is set to remain closed at least through August 2023.
The reason for this closure is the Williamson Road realignment project, which seeks to move the intersection of Williamson and Perimeter Road into alignment with the Old Stadium Road intersection, effectively moving the stoplight 300 feet up Perimeter Road towards the Brooks Center.
The new alignment of Williamson Road will start just downhill of Earle Hall, shifting the road roughly onto what is now Lambda Street, before cutting through what is now parking lot C-5 to connect to Old Stadium Road.
The newly-aligned intersection will include numerous safety features, including new stoplights, crosswalks and pedestrian signals.
The stoplight at the current intersection is planned to be eliminated.
This project comes at a rough time for Clemson’s parking situation, with lot C-3, by Memorial Stadium, closed for the construction of Tiger Walk, eliminating some 800 valuable parking spots.
This project eliminates another 375 parking spots, most of which are commuter spaces.
This has led to questions of why both of these projects had to occur simultaneously, with over 1,000 commuter spaces removed from service at once, with some wondering whether this was due to miscommunication, incompetence or true necessity.
Clemson University did not respond when asked for comment.
This project will increase pedestrian and bike safety and connections to the Madren Center and Walker Course, which will soon host the new Clemson Alumni Center and the Michelin Career Center.
The project will also expand access to the Administrative Center, which will play an increasing role with the long-term plan to move the motor pool out of central campus.
It will also improve access to the new C-14 commuter lot.
The project will also improve the grade on Williamson Road, limiting the steepness of the hill.
Ultimately, this project will lead to a safer, more complete and more efficient street system.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Corey Glenn // Asst. News Editor

A rendering of what the future Williamson Road/Old Stadium Road and Perimeter Road intersection will look like.