DGS implemented an overflow parking pilot program at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) surface parking lot along North Seventh Street in Harrisburg in February 2024. The parking lot provides parking on a first-come, first-served basis to any Commonwealth employee without an assigned parking space and who holds a Commonwealth-issued access card.
Pilot Program Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where is the overflow parking lot?
A: The overflow parking lot is located at 1401 N. Seventh St., Harrisburg, PA 17102, accessible by turning right (East) from the roundabout when heading North on North Seventh Street.
Q: Who has access to the overflow parking lot?
A: All Commonwealth employees and contractors with Commonwealth-issued access cards.
Q: Who should use the overflow parking lot?
A: Any Commonwealth employee without an assigned parking space in the Capitol Complex. This includes full-time telework employees, employees working on site during collaboration days, and employees visiting the Capitol Complex for special events and meetings.
Q: Will I have access to the lot if I work at a remote site?
A: Only if you have a Commonwealth-issued access card. If an employee needs parking and does not have a Commonwealth-issued access card, agencies should find employees parking within their agency's assigned parking allotment. Questions regarding access can be directed to the DGS Office of Security Administration at RA-GSAGENCYPARKING@pa.gov.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: The overflow parking lot is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, however, overnight, and long-term parking are not permitted.
Parking Entrance
Q: How many parking spaces are available in the overflow parking lot?
A: 500 parking spaces are available to Commonwealth employees in the overflow parking lot.
Q: How do I access the parking lot?
A: There are two gates that provide access to the lot. Please refer to the map on this page. Please scan your Commonwealth-issued access card using the badge reader at the gate as the parking lot is accessible by Commonwealth-issued access cards.
Q: Do I have an assigned space?
A: There are no assigned spaces. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and employees can park wherever they like in the designated area.
Parking Gate
Q: Can I park anywhere I want in the PHEAA parking lot?
A: No, you must park in the designated surface parking lot area. There will be signage to identify these spaces. PHEAA-reserved spaces contain yellow markings and are not available to Commonwealth employees.
Q: How far is the overflow parking lot from my office?
A: Walking distance is approximately:
- .3 miles, or about a six-minute walk to the Department of Labor and Industry Building.
- .4 miles, or about a seven-minute walk to the Keystone Building.
- .5 miles, or about an eight-minute walk to the Capitol Complex.
Q: How do I reserve a parking space?
A: You cannot reserve a parking space, but you can check availability before driving to the overflow parking lot by calling PHEAA security at 717-720-2127.
Q: Is electric vehicle charging available at the overflow parking lot?
A: Not currently. However, there are public parking EV spaces in front of the State Museum of Pennsylvania available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Will the overflow parking lot be open during inclement weather?
A: PHEAA has equipment onsite to clear and salt the parking lot as needed during inclement weather. The lot will be closed if the Capitol Complex is closed for inclement weather.
Reserved Spots
Q: What should I do if I have safety concerns?
A: PHEAA security will monitor the overflow parking lot and Capitol Police will patrol the surrounding area. PHEAA security can be reached at 717-720-2127. Capitol Police can be reached at 717-787-3199. For an emergency, dial 911. There also are two emergency call boxes with blue lights for visibility. One emergency box is in the Seventh Street (South) Lot. The other is in the Bertolino (North) Lot. Call boxes connect directly to PHEAA's security desk, and the guard can speak directly to the person needing assistance.
Q: I heard this is a pilot program. How long will parking be available in the overflow parking lot?
A: DGS is monitoring utilization rates and the effectiveness of the overflow parking lot. Should DGS cancel the pilot program, we will notify agencies within 30 days of the lot's discontinuation so employees can make alternate arrangements. If the pilot program is successful, DGS will notify agencies that it will be added to the Commonwealth's permanent parking options.
Q: Who do I contact with general questions about the overflow parking lot?
A: Questions pertaining to the overflow parking lot pilot program should be directed to the DGS Office of Security Administration at RA-GSAGENCYPARKING@pa.gov.
Q: Who do I contact with questions about agency assigned parking?
A: Please contact DGS or your agency's Deputy Secretary of Administration.
Q: What should I do if my vehicle or personal property is damaged in the overflow parking lot?
A: DGS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property in the parking lot. Parking in the overflow parking lot is at your own risk.
Q: Can I leave my car in the lot overnight?
A: No, overnight and extended parking are not permitted in the overflow parking lot.
Q: Can friends or family use the lot when visiting the Capitol Complex?
A: No, the overflow parking lot only is for state employees and contractors with a valid Commonwealth-issued access card.
Q: Can state agencies park their state-owned pool vehicles or other vehicles in the lot?
A: No, the parking lot only is for employees without assigned parking.
Q: Is this a free parking lot?
A: Yes, it is free for Commonwealth employees and contractors.
Call Box