Academic Quad Walkway Repairs
Dear Colleagues,
In a couple of weeks, contractors will begin replacing the paved walkways in the academic quad area. For those of you who have been part of the University community for some time, this project is a familiar (and perhaps too frequent) summer feature on our campus, as the condition of these walkways – both in terms of appearance and, more importantly, safety – has proven to be a recurring problem.
The underlying issue – quite literally – is the ground beneath the walkways, which retains large amounts of moisture, making the concrete highly susceptible to heaving, cracking, and other freeze-thaw deterioration. On the advice of contractors as well as physical plant administrators from other colleges in universities that have made a similar move, we will be replacing the concrete walkways with asphalt.
This alternative offers several notable advantages:
- Greater safety and simpler maintenance – Asphalt offers a smoother, non-slip surface, removing trip hazards and providing a safer platform for pedestrian traffic.
- Improved durability – Asphalt is more flexible than concrete, allowing it to better withstand shifting ground common in colder climates. It also holds up better against wear and tear from snow-removal equipment and surface treatments.
- Easier, more cost-effective repairs – Asphalt allows for an easier repair cycle, eliminating the need to remove and replace whole blocks when breaks occur. Also, it can often be applied directly over old, damaged, or broken concrete, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming removal of pre-existing materials.
As always, the Facilities Management team will notify you and provide necessary updates as work begins.
Sincerely,
Stephanie R. Nesbitt
President