4 Things to Consider When Planning Paving Maintenance at Colleges and Universities

As college enrollment continues to increase, many campuses find themselves in a constant state of upkeep. Substantial daily foot, bike and car traffic from students, faculty and guests makes property maintenance an essential part of daily campus operations. Here are four important lessons we’ve learned in our 40-plus years in business that will help keep the concrete and pavement at any college campus functional and safe.

Keep Your Campus Pedestrian Friendly

College students aren’t usually watching their steps they’re racing to their next class. Physical injuries and property damage caused by uneven pavement can be a painful and costly matter for both the student and the school. Prevent accidents like these from occurring by filling cracks and patching loose areas of concrete, and repaint any necessary pavement markings regularly so important information is clear and easy to see. Regular concrete maintenance is essential to maintaining a safe school environment.

Provide Clearly Marked Bike Paths

Biking is a popular mode of transportation for both students and faculty at colleges and universities, and the interior of many campuses is off-limits to cars, which encourages students to zip around on two wheels while dodging classmates on the way. Instead of making bikes navigate around cars or pedestrians on sidewalks and streets, consider paving and marking designated bike paths. Providing clearly marked bike paths can reduce traffic congestion and prevent cycling injuries by creating a safe buffer between cyclists, cars and pedestrians.

Use School Breaks to Your Advantage

Attempting to complete a paving project while school is in session can be a logistical challenge, but college campuses have one major advantage that many businesses and residential buildings don’t: predictable week-long breaks. Use a Portfolio Management Plan (or PMP) to strategize the to plan routine maintenance during scheduled breaks for minimum interference with daily campus operations. Using this long term approach can help you significantly extend the life of your pavement and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Think of the New Kids

Often times, the first thing that prospective students will see on a campus visit is the parking lot. It’s hard to keep a winning football streak or restaurant quality dining hall food in mind when the most basic physical conditions are in a state of deterioration. A freshly striped parking lot can make a world of a difference to both students and parents that are considering spending their next 4 years growing with your institution.