SMU crews clearing icy campus sidewalks and roads

SMU crews have spread close to 10,000 pounds of chemical “ice melt” across the campus over the past three days, Bob Casagrande, SMU Director of Facilities Services, said Thursday.

Another 7,500 pounds arrived Thursday morning and more is expected Friday.

SMU police warned, "Anyone walking on campus should use extra caution. Walk slowly, use handrails and watch for icy patches.”
 
SMU crews first treated porches on campus buildings, walkways from the residence halls to food services buildings and the area around the campus police station.  Crews then moved to treat other walkways and common areas.  Today they are doing curb cuts and accessibility ramps.

“We’re trying to find sand, but supplies are low because there is such a huge area demand for it,” Casagrande said.

“The roads are the hardest part.  The colder it gets, the more difficult it is for the chemical to do its job because it melts the ice, which then refreezes.” Casagrande said. “Until the temperature gets above 32 degrees, it will be difficult to clear the roadways and sidewalks.” 

As the inclement weather continued, SMU was forced to close its main campus and SMU-in-Plano through Sunday because of hazardous driving conditions across North Texas.

Although most campus offices are closed, a few facilities have remained open to serve students, including:

• Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports is open until midnight.
• Mac’s Place is open until 7:30 p.m.
• Umphrey Lee Dining Hall is open until 7 p.m.
• Fondren Library is open until 6 p.m.

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