Blasting to Occur on Campus for Construction Project

The contractor for the Garland Avenue Parking Garage project has encountered and will need to remove a section of rock formation as part of the utility excavation.  Facilities Management expects the process to begin on Wednesday Feb. 4, and continue for approximately two weeks.  The removal procedure will require blasting two or three times per day using an “Anfo” type explosive.  This is a very modern explosive that can only be activated with a special blasting cap.  Blasting hours are planned between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday by professional blasting personnel and will include the following warning procedures:

• A large train horn is being set up on the project site that can be heard for several blocks.
• At 2 minutes prior to the shot, there will be two long blast from the train horn.
• At 1 minute prior to the shot, one long blast.
• At 1 minute after the shot, two short blasts for the all-clear.

Additional personnel will be at the site to secure the area during the blasting times. The job site phone contact is 479-966-4818 if you have any questions or concerns.