*For more updates check F&S social media.
Friday, February 4 - Snow and Ice Removal Operations Progress Update
F&S crews are continuing to remove snow and ice across the Urbana campus. Those efforts will extend into the weekend ahead of the return to in-person classes next week. This morning, campus conditions were greatly improved due to the repeated clearing passes made since Wednesday.
Sidewalks/Pathways
Almost all campus sidewalks and pathways have been cleared. Crews are now focused on scraping down the snowpack and widening areas from edge to edge. When temperatures are more favorable, F&S will apply additional brine solution and salt treatments to address persistent snow and ice areas, especially at intersections and curb cuts.
Building Entrances
Entrances are receiving ongoing attention from building service workers. Ice melt applications will be made to complement snow and ice removal activities around facilities in locations where necessary.
Parking Lots/Roads
Because of snow clearance mounds, parking lots will remain slick and more congested than typical. F&S is coordinating with the Parking Department to begin clearing those collection areas and also use heavy equipment to address any lots that experience major snowdrifts. Since the conclusion of snowfall Thursday evening, general road conditions have steadily progressed within the University District.
Variable travel conditions will still exist throughout the weekend because of below-freezing temperatures. Please use caution and slow down while walking, biking, or driving on campus, and be aware of the following:
- Periods of sunshine will result in daytime thaws followed by possible refreezing.
- Hard-packed snow and ice will remain on some surfaces.
- Steps, ramps, pedestrian bridges, and elevated surfaces will remain slippery. Utilize handrails if possible.
If you have questions or to report areas needing service, contact the F&S Service Office fsserviceoffice@illinois.edu, 217-333-0340. More information is available at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/snow.
We appreciate your patience as F&S works to complete snow and ice removal for this winter weather event.
Wednesday, February 2 - MTD Winter Storm Service Adjustments
Because of the winter storm warning, MTD is operating with some reduced bus service through Friday, February 4. After midnight each day, MTD will not run the following buses: 50 Green, 100 Yellow, 120 Teal, 130 Silver, or 220 Illini. Variable road conditions may also necessitate reroutes.
MTD urges customers to avoid unnecessary travel during the heavy snowfall; however, many routes will remain available for those needing safe and accessible transportation options.
Before making a trip, please check the updated schedules on the MTD website, which uses real-time tracking data. You can also sign up for custom alerts once logged in to your account. For questions, call MTD at 217-384-8188. General updates are also provided via MTD social media (@rideMTD).
Tuesday, February 1 - F&S Snow and Ice Removal Operations Massmail
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning beginning at 9 p.m. for Champaign County. This winter storm system is expected to start with an initial freezing rain and sleet mixture, followed by snow accumulations of over 12 inches through Thursday. Blowing and drifting snow are also likely due to winds gusting as high as 35 mph, creating the potential for refreezing and persistent areas of snow and ice on sidewalks, pathways, building steps, parking lots, and roads.
Due to this winter storm's anticipated timing and severity, F&S snow and ice removal operations are already underway on campus, beginning with pretreatment activities and operators readying vehicles and equipment. Removal work will begin early Wednesday morning, emphasizing snow and ice clearance for all 24-hour university facilities, primary building entrances and service areas, and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps.
The chance for some icing followed by deep snow will make for a challenging and lengthy removal process and create extremely slippery conditions. Travel will be hazardous throughout this period, so please use caution if you must venture outside and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Snow Priority Parking Lots
Because of the amount of snow forecasted and the strength of wind predicted, using smaller parking lots during the storm may leave vehicles prone to blockage by snowdrifts. This can occur in spaces or at lot entry/exit points. The following priority parking lots will be cleared first and regularly maintained during the weather event. Individuals are strongly advised to use these locations along with MTD service. Greater use of these sites will also help expedite plow trucks toward the end of the storm system.
- Lot B4, Levels Four and Five (North Campus) – Parking facility at the corner of University Avenue and Mathews Avenue
- Shuttle Lot E14 (South Campus) – West of the State Farm Center, south end only
- Lot F27 (South Campus) – Adjacent to the Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building
Vehicles parked in priority lots B4, E14, and F27 with a valid virtual permit for other rental facilities will not be cited for violations; however, enforcement will continue for parking in disabled spaces, yellow zones, or blocking driveways.
How You Can Help F&S Crews
As F&S staff perform this priority work, please help grounds workers, transportation drivers, and building service workers by giving them as much space as possible. Active storms may significantly reduce visibility. Never walk close to, in front of, or obstruct plowing or service vehicles in motion. These actions will help with a safer and more efficient snow and ice removal process.
More information about university snow and ice removal efforts is available at https://go.fs.illinois.edu/snow. To report areas for additional treatment or if you have questions, contact the F&S Service Office fsserviceoffice@illinois.edu, 217-333-0340.
Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as F&S staff work near-continuous shifts throughout the winter storm to keep the campus open and accessible.
Sincerely,
Ehab Kamarah
Interim Executive Director, Facilities & Services