The work continues for the planned new parking lot that will be on the site of the former Johnson Elementary School. And despite what may seem like a long time since work has begun, things still could be completed by the end of this month.

 

Work finally began on the final major portion of the project that saw the old Johnson Elementary School demolished and a new one built near the same location along Johnson Avenue in April. Initially, that final portion, which is the parking lot, was anticipated to be done by November of 2018. Weather issues changed that.

 

When the weather broke in April, the work began. And it’s been going strong since.

 

“They’re building the curbs right now and that’s somewhat of a slow process. They’re making the forms for the parking area and that is somewhat of a slow process,” said Assistant Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Jimmy Lopez. “That should take the better part of the month.”

 

After that’s done, Lopez said the paving shouldn’t be a lengthy process. He said outside of adding some additional gravel prior to paving, everything else is pretty much ready to go.

 

“All the infrastructure is in place. That was a pretty big hurdle, but it’s good to go now,” said Lopez.

 

Although the work is being done while school is not in session, the area between the new JES, Wayne Jamison Field and Bridgeport High School where the parking lot is going is still busy. However, the work shouldn’t disrupt activities.

 

“The area where they’re doing work is pretty self-contained. You can access both side of the area where the parking lot without disrupting the regular flow of things,” said Lopez. “I don’t anticipate any issues, but something could come up. If so, it would likely be a minor inconvenience.”

 

The project is being handled by City Construction. If the name is familiar, it’s because City Construction was the general contractor on the new JES.

 

When finished, it will provide what is anticipated to be 171 additional parking spaces, new lighting, and landscaping. Lopez has said Harrison County Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin has been adamant the finished product not only be functional, but aesthetically pleasing.

 

The parking lot project was part of a near $1 million contract with City Construction. It included the demolition of the old Johnson Elementary School as well. The actual contract cost is $839, 934. The playgrounds on the site will either be relocated or demolished. Due to safety and litigation concerns, licensed crews have to be brought in to breakdown playgrounds and relocate that as opposed to having school staff do them as was done in the past.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo show workings doing forms for concrete curbing, while equipment to be used to put down the remaining gravel is shown above.