The City of Rockford has indefinitely closed off 369 spaces – about 44% -- of the 843 spots in the downtown Concourse Parking Deck just across South Church Street from the BMO Harris Bank Center.
With limited on-street parking, the facility is the primary parking location for entertainment events at the former MetroCentre and among the preferred choices for activities at Davis Park along the Rock River.
The Concourse, built about 35 years ago, also is the closest parking facility for people with business at Winnebago County offices, federal and county courthouses, and the Rockford Police Department during business hours.
The closure of the entire fourth floor and sections of the second and third floors is for evaluation and maintenance, according to City Traffic Engineer Jeremy Carter.
Non-permit parkers have been referred to the Pioneer Parking Deck, five blocks away at 300 N. Main St. Parking there will be free.
Carter told the Rockford Register Star that a consultant report indicated some possible problems with the structure.
“There are a couple of areas where the tendons have swollen. They’re showing signs that they no longer have their strength,” Carter said. “There’s also some concrete deterioration.”
Carter said this kind of damage is fairly common in parking decks. Similar repairs were made in other areas of the deck in 2003.
The city will have a better idea of how long the closure will be in effect in about a month.
Questions regarding the project should be directed to Carter at the Rockford Public Works Department.