Hamblen County Justice Center nears full completion; contractor says 97.6% complete

Burwell Construction representative Duran Delwater told the Hamblen County Justice Center/Public Safety Committee on Jan. 13 that the county's Justice Center project is nearing completion, with work at 97.61% of the $95,066,230.11 contract value and a target for substantial completion in April.

Delwater said, “Substantial completion is still, striving for April.” He gave a photo-based progress report showing finished millwork, ceiling and soundboard installations in courtroom areas, bathroom fixtures installed, jury box glazing set, and start of finish work around elevator systems that will move inmates into the jail pods. He reported a total completed-to-date amount of $92,793,932.11 and noted about $1,399,000 in stored material that remains to be integrated into the project.

Why it matters: The Justice Center is a major capital project for the county and its schedule and final costs affect county operations and budgeting for court and detention functions. Committee members pressed for details about perimeter security features and site readiness as the target completion date approaches.

Committee discussion and site details Commissioners and Delwater discussed perimeter bollards and security fencing at the front entrance. Delwater estimated the visible bollards to be “probably 4 to 5 feet apart” and described the substructure and bollard footings as “massive,” saying the bollards are concrete-filled and set on a substantial foundation. He said the bollard installation shown in the presentation covers the main front entrance area and that other sides of the site have security fencing and gates in place.

Delwater also described upcoming above-ceiling inspections in courtroom areas, ongoing mechanical-electrical-plumbing work on upper floors, and continued flooring and finish work. He showed photos of conduit runs in an electrical room and security doors for pod entries. He noted contractors are using blankets over new concrete pours when cold weather requires curing protection.

Next steps and questions Delwater asked if there were any questions at the committee meeting; commissioners asked about bollard spacing, whether bollards are permanent or deployable, and about security gate placement. Delwater described the bollards shown as permanent, not retractable. No formal action or vote on the project was taken at the committee meeting; the presentation served as an informational update.

Ending: The committee will continue to receive construction updates; the county’s stated target remains substantial completion in April and staff indicated inspections and finishing trades will occupy the next weeks of work.