This Week's Construction News

Update for the week of June 30: the UMass Amherst campus is officially smoke-free as of Monday, July 1, including all construction and renovation project sites (a Dean of Students policy statement is available here); North Pleasant Street at Hasbrouck remains reduced to one lane, north and south, through the July 4th holiday for utility construction; the normal delivery rout to the Student Union (via Hicks Way, adjacent to the south side of the Campus Garage) remains closed through the end of July for utility work; a temporary delivery route to the Student Union has been put in place from a point west of South College to the Student Union Ellipse; construction of a geo-thermal heating/cooling system continues at and around the Research Administration Building; work continues to construct a new bus driver training facility in a portion of Lot 45 on the south side of Governors Drive; construction also continues on upgrades to McGuirk Alumni Stadium... [more]

Extensive Summer Steam Line Work Under Way

In addition to the routine, seasonal steam line shutdowns and maintenance that occur each summer on campus, other critical repairs are being made that will add to the steam shutdown schedules for several buildings.  For most of the affected buildings, this involves low pressure steam (heat, hot water, and, in some cases, central air conditioning).

Steam heat is typically turned off to most buildings on campus for the summer in order to conserve energy, save money and reduce wear on the system.  In this respect, a planned interruption of low pressure steam (heat) should hardly be noticed.  However, the loss of low pressure steam also means the loss of hot water in restrooms, showers, kitchens, and janitorial facilities.

The University has consulted with state, local, and institutional authorities and has determined that the temporary shutdowns will not adversely affect health or safety.  Employees may use cold water and soap to wash hands, and the University will provide hand-sanitizer in areas where the hot-water interruption is expected to last more than a few days.

Following is the current schedule for steam shutdowns (also see the corresponding color-coded map):

Schedules are subject to change, but every effort will be made to remain on --or ahead of --schedule.  Building occupants will be informed in the event of a change in the interruption schedule or a delay in the restoration of service. 

Questions about this project should be directed to the UMass project manager, Jason Venditti, at venditti@facil.umass.edu or 413-326-1661.

These are critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades that require timely, comprehensive attention.  They support the expansion and construction of new buildings and facilities as part of the University's capital construction plan, and they ensure the continued reliable delivery of utility services to all sections of campus.  The patience and understanding of everyone concerned is very much appreciated.

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