NJ Statehouse rehab deadline now 2023, Murphy admin says
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Like a desert mirage, the completion date for New Jersey's Statehouse renovation moves farther away the closer the calendar moves toward it.
The $300 million refurbishment that began soon after it was announced by former Gov. Chris Christie in late 2016 was supposed to take four years. In 2018, the completion date was expected to be 2022, and now Gov. Phil Murphy's administration says it'll be January 2023 before the renovation is done.
“At present it is still within budget and on time, with construction slated for completion in January 2023 and building occupancy expected for mid-year after installation of furniture, IT equipment, and other components,” Treasury spokesperson Jennifer Sciortino said.
How can it be on time, if it's later than initially thought?
The bidding process for general contractors took longer than expected, according to Sciortino, but moved into the general contracting phase in December 2019. That work is on track and expected to take about three years.
There have been other discoveries along the way, she added.
Workers found that the building's foundations are not adequate to support the structural loads they prop up, so digging and pouring stronger underpinnings is underway. That work is being done one small section at a time.
Workers are also constructing heating, cooling and ventilation shafts. A comprehensive system did not exist in the current building, which was pieced together over time. The older section dates to 1792, but newer parts had updates in the 20th century.
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