South Norwalk and Norwalk High projects progress; crane erection scheduled next month for high school

Construction staff updated the Facilities Committee on Jan. 29 on two major projects: the South Norwalk elementary replacement and the Norwalk High School rebuild.

Dan from Construction Solutions Group said South Norwalk is broken into two halves. One half is well advanced: interior metal framing, hollow-metal frames and mechanical rough-in are underway, the roof on that half is substantially complete and exterior brick veneer work has begun. The second half of the building is behind but progressing; roofing for that half is expected to be finished in early February, which will allow more interior mechanical and ductwork work to proceed.

Dan also confirmed that the district has completed property purchases adjacent to the South Norwalk site (properties along Oxford and a corner parcel onto Meadow Street Extension), approved a change order for additional scope and will begin demolition and site work in coming weeks.

On Norwalk High School, Dan said crews continue to pour concrete perimeter walls, footings and slabs and are preparing for steel erection. A crane delivery and assembly began at the high-school site the week of the meeting and steel erection is expected to begin in early February; staff estimated each crane location will take roughly 20 days and that erection will proceed in seven locations across the site as the project advances.

Committee members asked whether nearby Naramake (spelled in meeting as Naramec/Naramak) play space and fields would be affected; staff said Naramake has alternate spaces and that the contractor submitted a comprehensive crane plan and will account for safety and distance during operations. Staff acknowledged construction noise will increase during steel erection and said they would monitor and communicate potential impacts to the adjacent school community.

Both projects remain on schedule, staff said.