For the North Star Reporter
Construction of the new North Attleborough High School remains on schedule and within budget roughly two months after the town broke ground on the project, officials told the School Committee at its Aug. 12 meeting.
Superintendent John Antonucci said significant progress has been made since the June 12 groundbreaking and invited Chris Kenney of Vertex to provide an update on the project’s schedule, budget and summer construction.
“A month and a half into the project, I can say that we’re on schedule,” Kenney said.
Much of the summer work has focused on preparing the site so construction can continue once students return to school. Kenney said the project remains on track for the existing high school to open and operate normally, with construction taking place behind fencing that separates the work zone from school activities.
Temporary student parking has been added, providing approximately 72 spaces to replace parking affected by construction.
The project also remains within its approved budget. Kenney said approximately $70 million of the roughly $230 million construction cost has gone out to bid so far, with bids generally coming in at or below estimates.
“We remain on budget,” he said. “The numbers continue to come in positively.”
When School Committee Chair Tasha Buzzell asked what “positive” meant in non-construction terms, Kenney clarified that bids have been coming in “on or under budget.”
Only one subcontractor bid has exceeded the project team’s estimate so far, he added.
A final guaranteed maximum price, commonly referred to as the GMP, is expected to be developed following another major round of bidding this fall. Kenney said the process is scheduled to include bidding in September, negotiations in October and execution of the GMP in November.
Reshaping the site
Work completed since the groundbreaking has included establishing the construction perimeter, clearing portions of the property, creating a new construction access road and relocating utilities that conflict with the footprint of the new school.
A new gas line was installed because the existing line ran through the area where the new building will be constructed. Water and sewer infrastructure has also been installed.
Construction crews have also begun excavation for the new school and cleared an area in the northeast portion of the property where a maintenance building will eventually be constructed.
Some of that excavation has produced an unexpected benefit for another town project.
Topsoil removed from the high school site was transported to 217 High St., where the Parks and Recreation Department is working on a soccer field. Kenney said reusing the material locally generated approximately $215,000 in savings, compared with transporting it to an off-site disposal location.
“It was a nice benefit right out of the gate,” he said.
Foundations, steel work coming next
Excavation and grading will continue into the fall as crews prepare for construction of the school itself.
Concrete foundation work is expected to begin later this fall, followed by structural steel installation in November or December. Kenney noted that steel construction can typically continue through the winter because it is less dependent on weather conditions than some other phases of the project.
Upcoming work includes continued mass excavation and grading, installation of drainage structures along the new access roads and construction of underground stormwater infiltration systems. The infiltration systems are designed to keep stormwater on the property, an issue that has been discussed with neighboring residents during the planning process.
Geothermal drilling is also expected to begin this fall on the southern portion of the site.
Officials address noise, vibration concerns
Buzzell asked about the potential noise associated with geothermal drilling, particularly for residents living near the construction site. Kenney said solid acoustic panels have been installed along portions of the fencing to help reduce noise.
The drilling itself produces a steady engine sound, rather than grinding, he said, with the compressor expected to be the loudest piece of equipment.
Kenney said concerns raised so far by abutters have focused more on vibration from construction equipment than noise. The project team plans additional outreach before geothermal work begins.
Antonucci said officials have remained in regular contact with neighbors throughout construction and have responded quickly when issues have arisen.
“I give a lot of credit to our project team, designers and contractors,” Antonucci said. “We’ve been in constant contact with the neighbors and very responsive.”
While some vibration is expected from heavy equipment, Antonucci noted that the project does not involve blasting.
Officials reminded residents that the district posts weekly updates on the high school project website detailing recent construction activity and work planned for the coming week.
“It’s a very professional, thoughtful approach to making sure we are good neighbors,” Antonucci said.