Roanoke County updates CTE center and two elementary school construction timetables

Madam Clark and the Roanoke County School Board heard an update Feb. 10 from Skanska representatives on the Roanoke County CTE center and on two elementary school projects, Condiff and Glen Cove.

The presentation, led by Skanska’s Wes Mitchell and Kamal Khalil, reported that mass grading and backfill for the CTE site have largely finished and footings are being poured. "Backfill and compaction in Area A is complete," Mitchell said. He told the board footings in Area D were poured and masons were laying low block; electrical duct bank work and underground plumbing were underway. Mitchell said rock blasting is finished and a new rock crusher is reducing the stockpile from Peters Creek so material can be re-used in the pad.

The nut graf: the CTE project is moving from earthwork into foundation and utility installation, the stage when visible building elements begin to appear; contractors said continued favorable weather will allow vertical construction to begin in March.

Board members were shown photos and a site plan marking Areas A–D. Mitchell said Area D would see walls "start going up" in March once pad and utilities are complete. He added crews have moved from rock removal into footing work and that some rock removed will be returned to the pad after crushing. "Foundation work in Area D ... is about 75 percent," he said, describing the block work and underground conduit.

On the two elementary projects, Kamal Khalil said exterior site work at Condiff is largely complete, while Glen Cove was awaiting a pad pour pending permitting. Inside both schools, contractors reported wiring, branch circuits, fire-retardant wrapping, drywall patching and painting well underway; ceiling grids and some light fixtures are installed. "More than 90% of HVAC systems are in, but we still need the equipment to be put in," Khalil said. He noted windows, doors and some flooring remained to be finished. Staff estimated some rooms were five to six weeks from completion if schedules held.

Board members complimented the progress and several asked about scheduling and invited tours; staff said they would arrange visits for members who wanted to see the work. Mitchell and Khalil offered to take board members on-site and noted the administrative additions and mechanical rooms were among the areas shown in the photos.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational. The board discussed continuing site visits and expected further updates at future meetings.

Ending: Staff indicated the CTE project will transition to visible vertical construction in March if weather allows, while the two elementary projects are in late interior-finish stages and continuing toward occupancy dates presented by contractors.