School project on track

Crooked Billet Elementary slated for completion in July 2020

HORSHAM >> The Hatboro-Horsham School Board received an update from its construction manager, D’Huy Engineering, on the Crooked Billet Elementary School construction project during its Jan. 7 meeting.

The update reviewed the work has been completed so far, as well as the projected dates for the project’s construction. The renovations began Aug. 20, 2018, and, as of now, have a final completion date of July 9, 2020.

According to the report, the work completed up to date includes new curbing at Meadowbrook Road and the parking lot, base course paving along Meadowbrook Road and the parking lot, job trailers and storage containers set in place, site lighting bases and conduits being installed and PECO pole relocation and power lines being transferred. Also, Pennsylvania Aqua has completed the water line taps for the domestic water and fire supply lines.

The ongoing work includes site storm sewer inlet installation, under-slab plumbing and electrical installation in certain areas of the building, and parts of the building foundation are nearing completion, according to the presentation. Bus loop grading is ongoing.

The school board previously approved the general contraction bid of $21.7 million with Skepton Construction Inc. and has paid the company $4.7 million up to date, according to officials.

The ongoing renovation iws planned not only improve the old elementary school building but also the land lot on which the school sits. The planned land improvements include lot consolidation, stormwater management and streetscape improvements.

The administration has said it hopes to bring the similar innovation it implemented in the new Hollowell school to Crooked Billet, including small group instructional areas attached to classrooms, high-priority security, technology and higher lighting and sound quality in the classrooms. Other new features will include faculty resource rooms on each floor, a stage built between the cafeteria and the gym for large group flexibility, hallway storage cubbies, grade-level work areas that convert corridors to classrooms and outdoor instructional space with direct classroom access.