University of Virginia Library

Snow Removal Proves Ineffective
Due To Extensive Accumulation

By Philip Kimball
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Photo by Charlie Sands

A Snowy Mad Lane Greeted Students As They Returned From Their Christmas Vacation

As if it weren't bad enough merely getting back to classes. Buildings and Grounds made it difficult to get anywhere.

When asked about the removal of the
heavy accumulation from the snowfall of
New Year's Eve. Harold I. Taylor,
Director of Buildings and Grounds, stated
that "Our equipment is ineffective with
this type of snowfall. There's too much
and it's too wet."

He continued to say that, "Unless snow
starts falling while the groundsmen are at work
it is virtually impossible to clear the snow
immediately."

Larry G. Steward, in charge of snow removal

for the Department, said that groundsmen have
worked constantly since Saturday in an effort
to remove the worst of the snow before classes
resumed yesterday.

Mr. Steward also said that "Because many
men live on the outskirts of Charlottesville it is
difficult for them to reach the University after
a snowfall of this size." While 30 men are
employed by the Buildings and Grounds
Department only about 25 are at work on any
given day. Presently 15 of these men have been
assigned to snow removal.

The Department has developed a priority
system for the effective clearing of snowfall
accumulation. Streets and main access ways,
including the entrance to the hospital, are
cleared first while parking lots and entrance
ways to buildings are of secondary importance.
Finally sidewalks and other entrances to
buildings are cleared. Drains along road curbs
are kept open to prevent the runoff of melted
snow from freezing, causing the roads to
become hazardous.

Two dump trucks, one with a salt spreader,
are employed in snow removal. While the
Department also has two heavy duty tractors
and three smaller tractors, two international
Scouts plow areas that are inaccessible to the
heavier equipment in connection with the
equipment available. Mr. Steward said "The
Department does not have enough equipment
to dump the snow once it has been collected."