LACIE SILVA
Writer
In a recent report to the Bedford County Financial Management Committee, the architect and owner representative provided a detailed overview of ongoing construction projects across the county and school system. The update covered multiple sites, including Cascade High School, soccer and community concessions, Liberty Thomas, agricultural buildings, and other infrastructure developments, showcasing steady progress and upcoming milestones.
At Cascade High School, the concession interior has been painted, featuring a red roof, with exterior siding installation to begin later that week. Tile work was scheduled for the Monday following the meeting, and plumbing fixtures were set to be installed by the end of the following week. The sewer system installation began that day, taking advantage of the students’ absence from school, while Duck River was expected to set a utility pole for electricity soon. Meanwhile, the soccer field concession’s foundation has been formed, with plumbing installation underway that week and the slab pour anticipated for Friday or Monday following the meeting. The community concession, which broke ground the previous Wednesday, was already roofed, and brick for the exterior was slated for delivery the next week. Plans to demolish the Oak concession bathroom are in place, but this will occur only after the new facility nears completion.
Progress at Liberty Thomas has faced a month-long delay due to pending deliveries of glass and aluminum for new windows. However, desks were received and assembled the day of the meeting. All furniture installation was reportedly complete, and the alarm system upgrade scheduled for the following day, with substantial completion expected following an inspection. All common inspections were conducted and passed successfully the week prior.
Additional projects are also advancing. Vestibules, which serve as safety cores or security systems for schools, are being drawn up for review by the end of that week. Notably, Southside is the only school currently equipped with such a system. Agricultural buildings have bids due to Bell’s Construction, and bid requests for HVAC and roofing upgrades at the health department were advertised in the newspaper. The archives building recently saw the completion of its front steelwork and railing.
Several clarifications and updates emerged during the discussion. At Cascade High School, a question arose about coordination with the floor project, to which it was noted that Smurda Ready Mix, a defendant in an ongoing matter, has 60 days to respond, with feedback expected by month’s end. For soil conservation efforts, progress hinges on securing funding to relocate the sewer system, awaiting budgetary approval. The juvenile facility’s HVAC concerns remain under review, with a forthcoming report promised.
A significant point of discussion involved master plans for Cascade Community and Liberty School. These plans, described as design maps for potential future construction, have been completed for sports fields at Cascade Community and are now in progress for Liberty School. The initiative stemmed from community requests, such as a softball field at Liberty, ensuring placements avoid issues like blue streams or future roadways. With permission from TDAC and considerations for flooding, these plans aim to strategically guide development. While the school board is working on a five- and two-year plan, it has yet to be finalized.
Overall, Bedford County’s construction efforts reflect a coordinated approach to enhancing school and community facilities, with timelines set for key completions and ongoing collaboration to address funding and logistical challenges.
