Photo of Ohio State oval covered in snow

Snow and Ice

Safety is the university’s top priority and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), CampusParc, Transportation & Traffic Management (TTM) and the Department of Public Safety work together to offer services during the winter months to keep you safe. As snow and ice start to collect, FOD teams are dispatched to treat campus roadways and sidewalks. They remain on campus throughout the day and night treating and plowing as needed. CampusParc crews will also be on campus treating parking lots and garages, with garage rooftops remaining open, when possible. Learn more on the CampusParc website.

While customers may still see snow in the areas, our facilities crew will do its best to keep pathways clear.  It is important to note that several factors can impact the time needed to treat roadways, sidewalks and parking areas. These factors include, but are not limited to:

  • Temperature
  • Amount of snow accumulation
  • Wind levels
  • Time of day when inclement weather occurs
  • Day of week (weekday vs. weekend)
  • Campus events

REAL-TIME SNOW AND ICE MAP

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Snow and Ice Map

Visit the Snow and Ice Map to see what roadways and sidewalks have been cleared. Accessibility is a top priority.

  • Primary: Major streets and sidewalks used most often, including near medical, dining and residence hall facilities.
  • Secondary: Roadways, driveways and sidewalks supporting moderate traffic levels.
  • Tertiary: Sidewalks or paths, used less often, will be addressed as time allows.
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Additional Resources

Winter Travel Tips

  • If you see a potentially unsafe condition due to ice or snow, do not try to rectify the situation yourself, report the situation to Service2Facilities at 614-292-4357 (report unsafe ice or snow conditions in the Wexner Medical Center to 614-293-8645).
  • Please exercise caution during inclement weather and be prepared. Allow extra time and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Know your route and pay special attention to changing and/or declining weather conditions.
  • Take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding and remain alert as you move on and around campus.
  • Allow additional distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you during snowy and ice conditions.
  • Be sure to keep your vehicle windows, head lights, tail lights, and brake lights clear of ice and snow.
  • Keep your gas tank filled to at least half, check your tires’ pressure and do not leave any medications or electronic devices like a cell phone and laptop in your car.
  • Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle. Include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, hats and gloves, first aid kit, emergency flares, shovel, cell phone charger, water, and nonperishable food items.
  • Wear sensible shoes and dress in layers for travel between destinations.
  • Like bridges, garage rooftops freeze more quickly and remain cold longer than pavement at ground level. Exercise caution when driving and walking throughout all levels of the garages. View CampusParc’s Garage Rooftop Status webpage for updates on closures.
  • Obtain real-time CABS bus arrival information via the Ohio State app to plan your route. Be sure to review break and university holiday CABS service schedules.
  • Riding COTA? Visit cota.com for service info.
  • If you need a place to store your bicycle during the winter months, rent a bicycle locker.
  • Additional ideas.

PARKING GARAGE ROOFTOP STATUS

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Our crews are clearing 130 miles of sidewalks and 40 miles of roads on campus. This takes nearly 6 hours to clear depending on the severity of weather.

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Several factors can affect how long it takes to clear campus roads and sidewalks. These include: temperature, snow accumulation, wind, time of day, day of week and if there are ongoing campus events.