With winter approaching, Utah State University Facilities and Parking and Transportation are reminding faculty, staff and students of university snow removal policies and for safety reasons, to plan accordingly.

 

 

Sidewalks are cleared when there is a half-inch of snow or more on the walks. When this occurs prior to 3 a.m., sidewalk removal crews are mobilized. The crews begin work at 4 a.m. and stay until there are clear paths throughout campus.

 

Sidewalks and stairs with the highest pedestrian traffic are cleared first with less traveled and outlying areas cleared later. As the walks and stairs are cleared of snow, they are treated with snow melt or magnesium chloride to prevent ice from forming, said Jim Huppi, manager of Facilities Maintenance.

 

 

Parking lots are cleared when there are 2 1/2-inches of snow or more on the lots. When this occurs during the evening, parking lot crews are mobilized at midnight and remain plowing until about 7 a.m. when the lots begin to fill with vehicles. Magnesium chloride is applied to the travel lanes and roadways to prevent ice from forming.

 

If there is an early morning storm, 3 a.m. or later, then crews begin clearing as soon as they are called in. That means on early morning storms, the primary walks, roads and parking lots will not be cleared as quickly due to the time and number of pedestrians and motorists using the walks, roads and lots.

 

 

Safety for the pedestrian and motorist is the greatest concern during snow removal, Huppi said.

 

Students, faculty and staff should be aware of equipment as they walk and drive around campus. Sidewalk crews will pull to the side and stop work during class break times to protect pedestrians on the walks. During other times they will be moving slowly as the walks are cleared.

 

The campus community can help with safety and snow removal by watching for equipment and stepping to one side to allow for more efficient operations, Huppi said.

 

Icy and slick spots are always around during and after a storm. If you find such a spot, Huppi said to call Facilities Customer Service at 797-1947 and report its location for crews to respond.

 

“Students, faculty and staff should remember they are to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves when on campus,” Huppi said.

 

This means wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for conditions; carefully entering and exiting vehicles and buildings; driving and walking slowly when conditions warrant it; and avoiding construction locations and any icy areas when possible, he said.

 

Contact: Jim Huppi, 435.797.3758, jim.huppi@usu.edu