Construction under way on school at Annandale’s Lacey site

The foundation, the underground plumbing, and the storm sewers for the new elementary school under construction on the Lacey site are about half completed, says Joseph Krzywicki, the field construction representative for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Workers have begun drilling the holes (upper left) for the geothermal pipes under what will be the athletic field, he says. Four are finished; 92 more need to be done. Next week, work will begin on the water lines, utilities, and the retaining wall between the future parking lot and the back of the private Westminster School.

“We’re actually a little ahead of schedule,” Krzywicki says, because it’s been dryer than normal this time of year. The cold spell has taken a toll, though. The masonry work has been delayed because “we can’t let the mortar freeze,” he says.

He says people who live near the project, on Crest Drive in Annandale, haven’t complained about the construction noise, but he has heard complaints about the trees that were cut down. About 200 trees have been taken out.