PORT ANGELES — Construction on the new Hurricane Ridge Middle School is progressing steadily, with structural steel scheduled to be installed next month.
Capital Projects Director Nolan Duce says that foundation work, underground utilities and concrete slab pours are complete, setting the stage for vertical construction. A crane will arrive Feb. 9, and crews will begin placing steel beams Feb. 11. Some of the first pieces will stand about 42 feet tall, offering the community its first real look at the school’s three-story size.
The new 84,000-square-foot facility will nearly double the size of the ageing Stevens Middle School it replaces.
Duce also said the district has been able to take advantage of a good bidding climate and will be able to install lights at the new Monroe Field sooner than planned. They also will be installing a track at the new middle school.
Duce also provided updates on other district projects. At Franklin Elementary, educational planning reports are nearing completion, with a final version expected by the end of February. Traffic, topographic and hazardous materials studies are also underway.
Planning for renovations at Port Angeles High School and its auditorium is following a similar path. A request for qualifications for the auditorium’s general contractor was released Jan. 6, with submissions due Feb. 9.