Workers with C & S Construction were completing the steel sidewalls at the Chase County Schools’ new bus barn in near perfect weather conditions Monday morning. The new building is being constructed northwest of the school. (Johnson Publications photo)
School’s new bus barn taking shape
Changes in the landscape on the northwest corner of the school property became visible last week as the new bus barn began to go up.
Crew members with C & S
Construction of Madrid already have the roof and insulation in place on the 70-by 110-foot steel building.
Construction on the sidewalls should be complete this week.
At last week’s school board meeting, Superintendent Joey Lefdal said a late January completion date is being targeted.
The new building includes four bays with one being a drive-through bay.
Transportation Director Rex Felker said he will use the drive-through bay as his work bay.
The school’s three activity buses will occupy space in the new building, as well as some other grounds equipment storage.
The route buses will continue to be parked outside in a large rocked area east of the building.
Electrical outlets are being added so engine heaters on the buses can be plugged in during winter months.
He said there is also a concrete wash-bay area outside of the building on the east side.
The main entrance to the barn is located off of Shorthorn Street between 11th and 12th Streets.
Felker said they are planning on entrance directly off 11th Street, as well.
Due to the length of the activity buses, he said it would be easier to bring those buses in off of 11th Street versus trying to make a hard turn into the building from the main entrance.