CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A $3 million construction project to improve security on the grounds of the state Capitol Complex is nearly complete after over three months of construction.
The construction, which began in mid-August, includes a new bus turnaround near the Culture Center and security upgrades around the Governor’s Mansion.
“We could say at this point the entire project is substantially complete. We estimate in about two weeks it will be 95 percent done,” said Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety spokesman Larry Messina.
Messina said the top priority for the project was safety, but the contruction also looks really nice as well.
“The contractors have done an excellent job; it really does look quite nice,” he said. “They have very closely followed the project as approved by the Capitol Building Commission. So aesthetically it should be very much in keeping with what officials want.”
The turnaround work took out two existing parking lots with the goal of getting school buses off of busy Greenbrier Street for drop-off and pick-up.
The security work at the Governor’s Mansion includes a new bench wall that will move out into Kanawha Blvd., with a wrought-iron fence installed around the mansion.
“The bus turnaround means a much safer way for schoolchildren to visit the campus by bus,” Messina explained. “The bench wall enhances that part of the campus, giving visitors a chance to take a break (while visiting), while also addressing security concerns.”
Messina expected that most of the project, which was completed by Charleston-based Wiseman Construction, would be complete in the coming weeks.
“By the middle of December, everything should be in place. We expect the turnaround should be open to the public on Monday; the sidewalks on the (Kanawha) Boulevard and Greenbrier should be open to the public by then.”