Work can’t continue as cold weather is hampering asphalt work
Staff reports
The planned date for the re-opening of the intersection of Bay and Charles streets was Wednesday, Jan. 28. That date has passed and the intersection remains closed.
In his weekly “Bridge Report,” emailed to those who subscribe to City of Beaufort news releases, City Manager Scott Marshall foreshadowed this scenario.
“We are also anticipating the reopening of the Bay Street and Charles Street intersection on Wednesday, pending appropriate weather conditions,” Marshall wrote Monday. “The timeline is temperature-dependent: the asphalt plant will not open if the temperature is below 40 degrees, and pavement cannot be laid unless temperatures reach 45 degrees or above.”
Then, according to a Tuesday news release, City officials met met with Gulf Stream Contractors to review progress at the intersection and to discuss upcoming work and weather-related impacts affecting the project timeline.
“Unfortunately, we have been informed that paving cannot move forward this week,” the release said. “The asphalt plants that supply this project are not located in the immediate area and are not currently operating due to regional cold weather conditions. Without active asphalt plants, temporary asphalt placement, wedge installation, and final paving cannot occur.
“As a result, the intersection of Bay Street and Charles Street will not reopen on Wednesday, as planned. Project leaders understand and share the public’s frustration with the delay and emphasize that the intersection will reopen as soon as regional conditions allow asphalt production and paving can be completed safely.
“The construction team will continue to evaluate conditions daily and proceed at the first available opportunity. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.”
