Students visiting Founders Memorial Library this semester will notice that the escalators continue to await repairs.

A three-phase plan outlining a complete restoration of the escalators estimates the overall cost at $242,500 to restore the operation of six escalators. The earliest possible date for completion of all three phases would be late summer.

Conrad Miller, physical plant project manager, said the first phase involves a $85,000 contract with the Mid-America Company for renovation of the escalators between the first and second floors. Two of the eight escalators in the library are currently in operation.

The library escalators have been in service for 12 years, which Harrod said is not unusual for an often-used item. He said the entire system will probably be replaced.

Physical Plant Director John Harrod said work might begin in the next month if insurance papers and other forms are processed and signed. He said completion of all three phases is largely dependent upon continued funding.

The physical plant is currently overwhelmed with work requests for NIU’s campus, he said. The plant has backlogged about 20,000 hours of work for eventual completion.

“There are many areas on campus that need remodeling, in addition to the Holmes Student Center,” said Harrod.