This letter is in response to those writing about icy walk ways (“Icy sidewalks should be salted,” SN 1/30, “Salted sidewalks too little, too late,” SN 2/5).

On Monday, Jan. 29, the campus experienced rain which began freezing on the walks between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Grounds had been monitoring the conditions since 5 a.m. when crews (approximately 25 people) were called in to finish plowing and salting parking lots and sidewalks from the four inches of snow we had received on Friday.

When the rain began at 6:30 a.m., most gardeners were working on deicing their priority areas - which includes access ramps and parking areas for the disabled, building entrances, steps, inclined walks, and sidewalk curb cuts.

Also at this time, three pickup mounted salt/sand spreaders began deicing the remaining 100 miles of sidewalks along with three large salt trucks that help maintain 46 miles of roads and 23,400 spaces in parking lots.

Grounds employees feel a personal responsibility in maintaining safe conditions for students, employees and visitors. We appreciate your help and understanding during these weather related emergencies.

Paul Swartz
campus arborist,
landscape services coordinator in the
Grounds Maintenance Department