By The Beacon Staff

It’s hard not to notice the crumbling steps leading up to the Campus Center across from Howe Hall, especially now that they are dotted with bright orange safety cones. While the concrete walkway has been eroding for some time, the damage has recently reached a critical safety point. Facilities Trades Supervisor Dave Balberchak says, “What you have there is a staircase that has seen many years of sun, rain, and ice. Eventually, all cement products break down.”

The corrosive salt used for keeping the steps safe in winter is primarily responsible for their untimely demise. Unfortunately, the cold weather is also preventing immediate repairs. Cement cures best at temperatures above 50 degrees, so repairs are pending until Spring. “Come spring, we’re going to build forms on it,” says Balberchak, “We’re going to close that staircase until we repair that cement, restore it back to normal.”

In the meantime, Balberchak says the walkway is still safe to use as long as the eroded areas marked by the cones are avoided.