Dec. 8, 2022

Construction and Winter Weather: Keeping Workers Safe

Nearly 16 months into constructing Chimney Hollow Reservoir, crews are now in their second winter season as the project continues to take shape. Despite the change in weather, crews will work as much as possible during the next few months, including regular night work activities. Safety remains the highest priority as crews adjust for the winter weather.  

With winter storms and colder temperatures come additional hazards to the site. As such, construction site safety includes weather awareness. Just as the Barnard Construction safety team monitors conditions in the warmer months with extreme heat and lightning, the team also closely observes winter weather advisories and regularly checks both short- and long-range forecasts.  

Additionally, “adverse weather days” are included in the project’s timeline and budget. On these days, a majority of on-site construction will be suspended due to adverse conditions that pose a risk to safety and quality.  

Snowy sunrise at Chimney Hollow looking east.

To prepare the site for the wintertime, roads and equipment are properly maintained, certain areas are tented to protect materials and machinery is winterized as needed. All personnel are also equipped with appropriate cold-weather clothing, footwear and personal protective gear. Further, equipment deliveries to the job site are not scheduled when winter driving conditions are anticipated.  

How Do Winter Conditions Affect Work On Site?   

Most construction at Chimney Hollow continues throughout the winter; albeit at a slower pace.  During this time of year, seasonal weather risks include cold, wet and icy conditions. Construction roads can get muddy and slippery and therefore are unfit for driving. This impacts the construction schedule as large haul trucks do not operate when the roads are slick.  

Further, if the temperature dips too low, asphalt and embankment placement will not take place. Asphalt can only be placed when the temperature is 25 degrees and rising, meaning it must be getting warmer for work to proceed, and the embankment cannot be placed unless temperatures are above 27 degrees.  

Concrete work in the winter must be done carefully so that the concrete cures properly. This includes things like using heaters to thaw and warm the ground prior to concrete placement; using warm water in the concrete mix; and blanketing the concrete while it cures. Grouting crews insulate, heat and keep grout lines recirculating so that they do not freeze.  

Some activities, such as the aggregate wash plant, are shut down for the winter; however, this was anticipated, and large stockpiles of washed aggregates were generated prior to the winter shutdown. 

Recovering From Severe Weather  

Upon returning to the site after a winter storm, snow removal crews arrive early to plow, grade and de-ice all roads to maintain a safe site for the construction crews. Once the site is safe, crews carefully resume work that can be completed safely and to the anticipated quality standards – until the next storm arrives.