(1-minute read)
Graphic by the Town of Reading.
Throughout October, construction at the new Killam School Building Project continued, focusing on site excavation, soil removal, temporary drainage installation, and preparing the building footprint for the next phase of construction.
Site preparation and excavation
J. Read Corp. continued site preparation and excavation within the building footprint and surrounding areas throughout the month. Additional excavators, compaction equipment, and trucking resources supported soil removal to establish the required building elevations. Excavation and soil removal remain active, with crews continuing to prepare the building footprint and establish wall offsets for upcoming construction activities.
Environmental monitoring and drainage
Environmental technicians from CDW and LSP monitored excavation activities, collected soil samples, and evaluated site conditions as material was removed. The project team also reviewed test pit findings, confirming that contaminants were identified as anticipated and that no additional testing beyond the initial borings was required. The team observed groundwater during excavation near the elevation where acceptable soil conditions were identified, and environmental monitoring continued as site preparation progressed. Crews continued installing and extending temporary drainage infrastructure to support site work.
Initial drainage installation included approximately 121 feet of piping, with an additional approximately 60 feet of temporary pipe added as work continued. Excavation also uncovered large boulders, buried tree stumps, and tree trunks from the site’s former play area. The project team plans to use a hydraulic hammer (hoe ram) to break down the large boulders to make them easier to remove and transport.
Residents can follow the project’s progress through construction photos and the latest updates on the project website.
