January 23, 2012

Capitol Campus Update

State offices are open, roads and sidewalks are mostly clear, but employees and visitors should continue to be cautious when traveling around the Capitol Campus due to dangling limbs, icy patches and piles of snow that limit sightlines.

Three tree service companies that Enterprise Services hired Jan. 20 continue to remove broken and fallen branches. There is no estimated completion date or associated costs.

And department crews, many of whom have worked up to 14-hour shifts nearly every day since early last week, continue to remove snow from parking areas, spread deicer and clear storm drains to prevent flooding.

The department had 41 tons of deicer material and 13 tons of salt on hand prior to the storm.

At this time, all campus roads, including Deschutes Parkway and Maple Lane, are open. There are no reports of damage to campus buildings.

The department has received only one report of a minor injury caused by a slip on the ice near a building loading dock.

Even though conditions are improving, Enterprise Services continues to recommend the following precautions:

• Be aware of trees on routes to offices. There continue to be many broken branches hanging from campus trees.
• Use sidewalks cautiously. Although crews are clearing them, sidewalks may be icy at times.
• Wear appropriate winter clothing, especially footwear that provides traction for snow and ice.
• If you see any water pooling at campus storm drains, untreated icy patches or other potentially dangerous winter conditions, please call Buildings and Grounds at (360) 725-0000.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions go to: City of Olympia.

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit.