CORTLAND, N.Y. (WHCU) – Guthrie Cortland Medical Center is set to enter phase two of its parking lot reconstruction project.

Starting Monday, Alvena Avenue will be permanently closed from the west. It will become a dead end to traffic coming from Copeland Avenue and Loope Street. Patients needing emergency or cancer care can reach the ER or Renzi Cancer Center from West Main Street. Visitors and patients can still access the parking lot and other facilities at Alvena and Homer Avenue. The city abandoned a section of Alvena Avenue to the hospital to help facilitate the project and improve the healthcare experience for Cortland residents.

“We’re excited about the progress and can’t wait for the completion of Phase 2, which includes paving the dirt lot and adding lightning and privacy fencing,” said Guthrie Cortland Medical Center President Jennifer Yartym. “Once finished, patients, visitors, and caregivers will have full access to a more aesthetically pleasing parking lot that caters to everyone’s needs, offering handicapped spaces closer to the facility and a smoother surface for those with mobility issues.”

Officials say the project will be finished by December, depending on weather.