Construction update: wells, footings, topsoil testing and temporary access plans discussed for Norton and North End

Project staff gave a detailed construction update for both school sites, reporting active well drilling, footing and foundation pours, underground utility coordination and a plan for testing and managing excess topsoil at Norton.

At Norton staff said drilling crews had advanced well installation ahead of schedule and that footings and foundation walls were underway in parts of both projects. Underground MEP coordination and long-lead electrical submittals were described as ongoing; staff said they are in daily contact with subcontractors to resolve those coordination items.

Topsoil testing and handling at Norton

Staff told the committee they had about 3,000 cubic yards of topsoil stockpiled and estimated another 4,000 cubic yards would need removal — roughly 7,000 cubic yards total. Because material leaving the site must be tested under the site soils-management plan, staff presented testing cost estimates (roughly $21,000 originally, later reduced by scope to testing for reuse rather than full characterization). ONG recommended including testing and, if necessary, disposal allowances in the GMP rather than issuing a separate procurement for testing, so the work could proceed without delay. The committee approved the Norton GMP allowances (see GMP article) and staff said those allowances will cover anticipated testing; if soils test as contaminated, additional disposal costs would be treated as change orders.

Temporary access and parking

Staff and the construction manager described options for temporary driveways and bus access during turnover, including a binder-course temporary driveway, compacted gravel, or temporary grass pavers. Worst-case temporary access costs were included as allowances in the Norton GMP; staff said they favor lower-cost gravel options unless the committee directs otherwise. Committee members discussed logistics for buses and parent drop-offs and asked project staff to finalize a temporary circulation plan.

Other items

- Abatement and demolition strategy: Norton includes a set of alternates tied to test results (e.g., abatement credits if material tests below certain thresholds). Site abatement will be conducted after the building is vacated and will follow the test results; some alternates could convert from higher-scope abatement to lower-scope credits depending on in-place testing.

- Utilities: Eversource (the utility) has accepted payment and is scheduled to provide temporary power; staff said they expect scheduling confirmation within roughly 15 days.

- Schedule: Staff reiterated the contract substantial-completion dates and an overall completion through spring 2027 for Norton to accommodate final landscaping and site restoration. Staff said construction-administration reports and biweekly summaries will be provided to the committee.

Ending

Staff asked the committee to consider a materials-and-finishes working group to expedite color and finish decisions when submittals arrive; several committee members volunteered to participate. The committee directed staff to continue coordination on topsoil testing logistics and temporary access plans and to report back as testing results and utility scheduling become final.