In light of last year's record snowfall, university officials are beginning preparations for the coming winter.
The university's snow removal efforts will provide clearer sidewalks, walkways, bus stops and parking lots. Snow removal crews have been instructed to clear entrances for the disabled first.
During a Faculty Senate meeting in April, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Alan Fish, said last winter was tough,"" and that the university did not do well with snow removal on some of the snowiest days. With complaints from several community members, he said officials would benchmark snow removal from schools such as Michigan Tech, Buffalo and Syracuse.
""After last winter, we reached out to the university and sought ideas for how to keep the campus clear and slip-free and studied how other large, snow-belt campuses deal with snow removal,"" Fish said in a statement Tuesday.
With the first big snowfall, university officials plan to commence a ""Snow Action Day,"" which will be announced on the university's homepage to alert the campus community and allow crews to successfully remove snow.
However, the initiation of Snow Action Days does not mean university classes are canceled. The website announcement will discourage moped and bicycle travel and ask students to ride the bus to class.
Officials will implement parking rules in specific parking lots and some university streets during days of harsh winter conditions.
If buses cannot make the trip up Bascom Hill due to ice, signs will be posted near bus stations to inform students.
In addition, new winter parking rules are in effect on campus through March 15. Some rules include prohibited parking on Observatory and Linden Drives between 2 and 6 a.m.
All limited parking areas will be marked with signs that have the image of a ""Shoveling Bucky.""
According to a university release, UW-Madison will also use new techniques to melt snow and ice. Facilities crews will spray parts of Bascom Hill and the bridge over Park Street with a solution to melt snow as it falls and prevent the formation of ice.
""By taking these steps, we hope to improve our response to snowy weather and keep everyone safe,"" Fish said. ""We have more than 50 miles of sidewalks, 12 miles of roads and 90 parking lots to deal with. Cooperation will go a long way toward getting the job done.""
