Some snow came to campus last week and quickly melted away, but more will be on the way.
Knowing where to park when significant snow covers campus parking lots will help you and the facilities planning and management (FPM) crews that clear lots. Drivers are asked to not park in their usual parking lots until they have been cleared. There are several designated lots where all valid ISU parking permits will be honored.
- Southwest corner of Iowa State Center (lots A3, A4, B5 and B6)
- North of Molecular Biology (lots 29 and 30)
- North of General Services Building (lot 41)
Anyone parking at the Iowa State Center can ride CyRide to campus. The free #23 Orange route runs at five- to 10-minute intervals. During significant weather events, CyRide adds buses to routes to assist the campus community.
FPM crews follow these six priorities for clearing snow and ice:
- Roadways serving university facilities
- Parking lots: Accessible spaces, then permit spaces and general spaces
- Main walkways traversing campus and leading to main building entrances
- Main building entrances and accessible entrances
- Secondary sidewalks (those not in the primary route to campus facilities but instead leading to side or back doors
- Secondary building entrances including side and back entrances and limited-access exits
Employees may use the online report a problem form or call 4-5100 to let FPM know about spots where ice or snow are a concern.
Safe travels
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) developed safe winter walking posters in PDF format that can be printed and hung in buildings across campus. EHS has five tips for walking on snow or ice:
- Plan ahead to give yourself time
- Wear shoes or boots with good traction
- Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, entering or leaving buildings and climbing or descending stairs
- Walk on designated walkways
- Use short steps or shuffle for stability
There are salt/sand shakers located in many building entrances across campus employees and students may use to treat problem areas. If more salt/sand is needed during the snow season call 4-5100.
ISU Police reminds all drivers to clear snow from their cars and make sure they can see out of all windows before departing. It improves safety for everyone on campus.
Taking advantage of warmer weather
Because they didn't have to move snow during October and the first half of November, FPM crews stayed busy working on campus grounds. For example, lights already have been strung on the holiday tree east of Beardshear Hall and will be lit for the first time Dec. 3 during Winterfest, said Barb Steiner, FPM senior manager of campus services.
Steiner noted several other projects that were completed or extended with the help of warmer weather:
- Grading and planting projects at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Jack Trice Stadium
- Several short sections of sidewalk
- At the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza northwest of the Memorial Union, a small retaining wall will protect the root zone of a maple tree
- Repairs and prep to winter equipment
