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Blizzard slows Middletown middle/high school work; topping-off set for March 27
Summary
On March 11 the Middletown School Building Committee heard that a late-February blizzard cost the project about six construction days and produced potential change orders of roughly $772,316 to $1.3 million; a recovery schedule and topping-off ceremony are planned.
MIDDLETOWN — Presenters to the Middletown School Building Committee on March 11 said last month’s blizzard halted work for about six days, prompting a recovery schedule and potential change orders that could increase project costs.
The project presenter, Colin, summarized Gilbane’s monthly report and said there have been “0 recordable injuries on-site,” and that 158 submittals were in review with 14 RFIs outstanding. He told the committee the storm produced two full lost work days and several additional days for cleanup, amounting to roughly six days without actual construction.
Justin, an owner’s representative, said Gilbane and Colliers are preparing a recovery schedule and that it was not yet available for this meeting; the recovery schedule is expected to be ready by the next committee meeting. He added that acceleration work (including Saturday pours and overtime) is being used to make up time but that some impacts are being submitted as potential change orders.
Committee members were told the financial exposure from potential change orders was estimated at $772,316 as of Feb. 28, and that other cover-page updates showed potential change order exposure in the $1.2 million to $1.3 million range pending final review. Justin cautioned that items listed as “potential” have not been approved and that some provisional amounts could be reduced as the team finalizes details.
The committee also reviewed construction progress: gym trusses are being erected, roof vapor barrier work and third-floor framing are underway, and slab-on-grade placements were scheduled for the coming days (including a Saturday placement to speed recovery). Justin said topping-off and a beam-signing ceremony were scheduled for March 27 at 10 a.m.; organizers plan a short outside ceremony because site conditions near the fence remain muddy.
On budgets, the presentation said available program funding was just under $201 million, including a $190 million bond; roughly $37 million had been spent to date and the contracted value was just over $170 million. The presenters said projected costs excluding contingencies were about $188.5 million; the committee was reminded that these figures include estimates and potential change orders that remain under review.
Members discussed safety and community coordination: Gilbane will hold a short safety drill before the beam-signing to avoid alarm, and the team plans limited outreach for student involvement and trade-focused presentations to schools.
The committee set the next meeting for April 15; the recovery schedule and any finalized change-order requests are expected to be on a future agenda.
