The brutal cold that has blanketed the area since before Christmas has delayed construction at the new firehouse to the extent that financial analysis shows it could cost the town less money to stop work and wait until the weather improves.
For example, with shorter days and cold nights, it takes longer to get equipment warmed up, which reduces productivity and raises costs.
But the larger problem has to do with pouring cement for footings and foundations. When poured, cement is largely water and prone to freezing before it fully hardens, causing defects that are not noticeable now but can lead to cracked foundations and costly repairs later.
Construction manager Newfield Construction and the Fire House Building Committee had hoped work could continue through the cold by using insulated blankets and additives that make cement harden faster. But when extreme cold set in December and did not moderate, followed by a huge snowstorm on January 26th, Newfield concluded that it would be better financially to stop work.
“We are looking at the numbers, and it seems like it makes sense to hold off until the worst of the winter passes,” said First Selectman Henry Tirrell. “We believe it makes more sense to stop now and resume in mid-March.”
Tirrell said that the bond anticipation note for the project is in a short-term investment fund and is earning interest. The first interest payment on it will be due in September and town officials will then decide whether to renew it or bond the project.
Looking at the state’s project to replace the wall along Route 44 west of town, Tirrell said that also has been halted because of the snow and cold and its effect on pouring cement. He said he does not expect the state to push construction back past the promised September finish date.