Bristol Warren committee hears update on high‑school construction, paving and parking changes

On Monday, Aug. 25, the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee received an update on construction and site work at district properties, including accelerated paving at DuPont, demolition and foundation work at the high school, and parking changes intended to reduce student‑vehicle conflicts.

The update came during the committee’s regular public session and was presented by Superintendent Jenna Riley. Riley said crews will begin paving a driveway at DuPont at 7 a.m. the following morning after parent complaints and a request from the Warren Town Council to move the work up on the schedule.

Riley said the paving work will not yet repave the entire parking lot. “All that red area are the pieces that will be paved,” she said, and crews will fill several identified large potholes while the asphalt truck is on site. She told the committee the larger parking‑lot resurfacing remains on the long‑range schedule and is expected in a later construction season.

At the high school, Riley described extensive demolition that is already visible on the site, including removal of storage sheds and stadium bleachers. She said excavation for building footings is underway and that crews expect to pour footings in roughly two weeks; she added that the district should see “a big change in the property” by December or January as foundation work advances.

Riley said the newly paved area in front of the high school will provide approximately 50 additional numbered spots and that the district’s administration has designated that front lot for staff parking to limit students crossing the bus circle. She explained the decision as a safety measure: “We don't want kids trying to cross in front of the buses at the end of the day,” she said.

The superintendent also said the district plans to pair construction‑trade students with GRADE for apprenticeship opportunities on the project so students can gain hands‑on experience. Riley noted a temporary change to a long‑standing student tradition: painted rocks normally located on a permanent landscape feature will be permitted on temporary walls while construction occurs for two years, and the tradition will return in a new location when renovation is complete.

Riley reported that a section of Chestnut Street previously restricted to nonstudent parking will be permitted for student parking after coordination with local police and town officials; she said the police “agreed to allow parking” in the area immediately in front of the school.

Committee members acknowledged the disruptions construction will cause, including displaced athletic practice areas and parking changes, and said the district is working with the town to mitigate impacts. No formal vote was required for the informational update.

Photos and additional construction updates will be provided at future meetings, Riley said.