August 10, 2017

Friends,

As part of the ongoing work on Maxine Frank Singer '52 Hall, the construction site will continue to be fully excavated this month. Over the next two weeks, a series of controlled, underground blasts — no more than two per day and each no louder than a thunderclap — will take place to break up bedrock that must be removed in order to begin the construction of Singer Hall's structural foundation this fall. We are working with the project team to closely monitor these operations and any vibrations created by the underground charges to the buildings adjacent to the construction site: Beardsley, Friends Meetinghouse, Hicks, Lang Center, Pearson, Science Center, Trotter, Whittier, and the residences along Whittier Place. Please know that during this time, all buildings can be occupied and that work in those buildings can take place as otherwise intended.

This excavation work will occur on weekdays from 8/14 through 8/25 and will consist of the following:

  • Two daily blasts will occur only during prescribed times: between 10 – 11 a.m. and between 2– 3 p.m.
  • A 10-minute period is needed during both blast hours during which, for safety reasons, traffic along Whittier Place and access to the adjacent buildings will be limited.
  • The blasts will occur underneath approximately six feet of soil and large blasting mats, which are intended to control noise and the scattering of debris.
  • The construction site will be entirely fenced in; for safety reasons, construction staff will surround the site to ensure there is no pedestrian or vehicular traffic within 300 feet of the site during the 10-minute period for each blast.
  • Audible horn signals will be used as a precaution to identify each 10-minute period:
    • Three (3) audible signals five minutes prior to the blast;
    • Two (2) signals one minute prior; and
    • One (1) signal following the blast to indicate the area is considered “all clear” and safe.

Any necessary adjustments to the schedule for this work will be shared with the campus community as soon as determined. If you have any questions or concerns about this work, please contact me.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. 

Jan Semler