The upper level of the West Virginia University Mountainlair parking garage will close Monday, May 16, for four to six weeks so contractors can complete a renovation project started last year.

Workers will be installing a membrane, a rubber seal between the floors concrete base and asphalt coating, said Bob Roberts, director of WVU Department of Public Safety and Transportation.

The seal prevents de-icing materials from seeping into the concrete, prolonging the life of the repairs, Roberts added.

The work has been scheduled for the summer to minimize the impact to parking customers. A temporary seal has been in place so people could park in the upper level during the spring semester.

The upper level of the garage contains 240 short-term spaces, while the lower level has 210 permit spaces.

Installation of the membrane will complete a renovation project that started last July. Other improvements to the garage included concrete repairs on the second story, new lighting on both levels and renovations to the ventilation system.

The garage repairs are part of a two-pronged project that also includes renovations to the Mountainlair plaza. The new plaza will sport a fresh artificial playing turf, basketball court, terraced walkways, increased lighting, and tables and seating situated among shade trees and shrubbery when it reopens in the fall.