COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A representative from Clark Construction told the Branch County Board of Commissioners during their work session Thursday that soft soil conditions will prevent construction of the new county jail’s foundation until the spring.
Mary Jane Butkovich said earthwork contractors have to move 20,000 yards, and it can not be done until state frost laws are lifted in the spring for large trucks that would haul the dirt.
She pointed out that trying to get compaction during the freezing months of winter can be very costly. Butkovich said bottom line, postponing construction would save almost $750,000.
The construction schedule currently covers 22 months but Butkovich was confident they could get it down to 20 months.
Commissioner Terri Norris said while the construction delay is frustrating, the new jail project has to be done right.
The official groundbreaking for the new jail took place October 25, 2019, and the clearing of trees from the site wrapped up over two weeks ago.
