Preliminary construction on utilities at the site of the planned Information Sciences and Technology Building begins today, with the raising of construction fences west of North Atherton Street.

The new fencing will block about 230 parking spaces in the lot labeled “Red A” north of Research West, said Office of Physical Plant spokesman Paul Ruskin.

Signs will direct drivers who usually park there to other spaces available in West Campus, Ruskin said.

By mid-November, a permanent replacement lot will be ready for use, along with a new entry point to West Campus to be named White Course Drive.

The new IST Building has a fall 2003 completion date.