Construction of Gilford public works garage back on track

GILFORD — Construction of the new public works building is back on track, Director Meghan Theriault told the selectboard Wednesday, as crews had made up for early delays in building.

“We are making very good time over there,” Theriault said. “On our schedules, some show ahead, some are right on target, so I would say we’re back right on schedule. That’s what it looks like, because some things are ahead right now, which is nice.”

The construction is being led by Bonnette, Page & Stone, and Theriault said they have been doing an excellent job coordinating several contractors working concurrently. The construction firm is finalizing cost estimates for the fire pump room change order, which Theriault said she is anxiously awaiting, and will bring it before the board when it is available.

At the end of April, the project budget is expected to be more than 50% spent, and at that point, BPS will perform a project estimate. Theriault said she will bring projected costs to the selectboard to review at a future date.

She said there is plenty going on as the building takes shape, with the projected August completion date in the not-so-distant future.

Reese Construction started last week putting up siding, and Theriault said they will be finishing the large panels this week. They will then move on to trim work on the short end wall between the high and low roof, and is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Masonry is nearly completed for the locker room and bathroom walls, and then the focus will shift to the fire wall between the administrative area and the garage. The metal framing has begun, including the light gauge metal framing for all internal offices.

The plumbing and HVAC work is being completed, with crews finishing the floor trench drains. Theriault told the board this is significant, with bays at the front, end, and middle of the building. A subcontractor has been hired for duct work on the administrative side, as well.

Lyman Construction has completed paving around the pole barn, and next week will begin backfilling and preparing for the subgrade for the concrete work on the garage side. Carpentry for the barn may also start next week.

“You might see some posts going up, posts or columns, for the structure,” Theriault said.

Theriault said upcoming work includes installing a vapor barrier after the floor is prepared, by the end of next week. They are then preparing for floor heating, mesh and rebar, and the concrete pour is scheduled for May 13.

Half of the pour takes place that day, and then two days later, the other half will take place.

“That’s because you only have so much working time with the concrete, and there are slopes in that to drain to these trench drains,” Theriault said.

The update comes on the heels of the April 9 meeting, where Theriault said they were making up time from a delay early in the construction process. At that point, she said they were close to being back on target, as multiple crews were working concurrently, and she was confident they would make up the time.

At the 2025 Town Meeting, voters approved $11.2 million for design and construction of the new public works facility, which included demolition and temporary relocation of operations. It also included the pole barn, equipment, furnishings, and site improvements.

There was immense need for a new home for the department of public works, as the former building was 50 years old and only 13,000 square feet. The new building will be about 22,000 square feet, with state-of-the-art features, and be safer.

The old building’s roof had caved in from snow, and the heating and cooling systems were not working correctly. Storage space for chemicals was limited, and the slippery floors in the service area and poor air quality presented hazards. That building was demolished on July 22, and the excavation and construction of the new facility promptly began.

The progress of the new public works building has been well documented by Theriault from the start, including periodic summaries, photographs and videos showing the work. Information about the project can be found at gilfordnh.gov/dpwfacility.