The Utilities Division of the UNM Physical Plant Department is preparing to install a new steam turbine to help the university produce more of its own power. The turbine is expected to provide about one megawatt of power to campus.

But before the turbine can be turned on, there are new pipes that need to be steam cleaned to remove anything that could damage the turbine. If you're near the Martin Luther King Boulevard and University Boulevard intersection for the next few days, you might hear something that sounds like a jet engine, don't worry it's just the steam blasts needed to clean those pipes.

UNM Associate Director for the Utilities Division Jeff Zumwalt discussed the project with UNM Live.

Each of these blasts, or "steam blows" as they are also called, will consist of two 20-minute blasts with a break in between them. This will take place through Thursday, June 9 and the daily schedule is:

7-8:30 a.m.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3-4:30 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students should look for another way around this part of campus during these times, as the area will be restricted to traffic.

For more information or concerns call Ford Util­i­ties Center at (505) 277‑2464.