Seismic Safety & Modernization new facility 

CURRENT STATUS: April 2024

• Installation of underground electrical duct-banks is in progress.

• Installation of storm drain and sanitary sewer lines is in progress.

• Installation of underground electrical at Building 70A loading dock is in progress.

• Demolition of retaining wall at Building 70A loading dock completed in early April.

• Drilling of soldier piles for soil retaining system will be completed in April.

• Mass soil excavation will be completed in April.

• Waterproofing and shotcrete of retaining walls will commenced in March.

• Heavy construction traffic with impacts to parking near Bldgs. 50, 70, and 70A from mid March through June.  See Construction Impacts website for details.

EXPECTED IMPACTS

Traffic

• During certain phases of the project construction truck traffic and lane closures on Chu Road, Smoot Road, and Lawrence Road will impact vehicle traffic and shuttle schedules.

• Large or wide trucks or equipment will cause delays at Blackberry Gate. Notifications will be sent directing traffic to use Strawberry Gate as needed.

• There will be increased construction equipment and personnel along Lawrence Road from February 2023 through 2026.

• Details, including mitigation efforts, once confirmed will be posted to this page and shared via email and Elements.

B70/70A Loading Dock Area

• The fenced construction work zone impacts the B70/70A loading dock area.

• The area is fenced from the bottled gas storage area to the B70A access ramp.

• Loading dock access and gas deliveries will be maintained.

• The existing argon tank has been relocated.

• Nitrogen lines to B70A have been rerouted.

Food Services 

• Food trucks are offering coffee, breakfast, and lunch outside Building 91.

• Refer to food.lbl.gov for food service information and updates.

Access Restrictions and Pedestrian Paths

• The construction area, including the entire K1 parking lot, has been enclosed by fencing and is now restricted to construction personnel only.

• Our primary goal in putting up the fence is to keep everyone safe.

• We know it is frustrating to take a longer path between buildings. For your safety, however, it is important to remain outside the fence perimeter.

• Construction project work areas include inherent hazards related to the nature of construction work (e.g. moving equipment, open trenches, potential soft or uneven terrain, tripping hazards, etc.). The fence location will shield pedestrians from construction activities and potentially dangerous equipment.

• The fence cuts off previously used pedestrian pathways between the buildings above Lawrence Road (ALS, Guest House, etc.) and the buildings below the construction site (50 complex, 70 complex, etc.). There is pedestrian access along Lawrence Road, around the J Lot, and along Smoot Road.

Parking

• Parking lot K1 (cafeteria parking lot) is closed and fenced off for the duration of construction.

Shuttle Service

• The downhill shuttle stop at Building 54 closed on February 1, 2023, and a new downhill stop opened the same day in front of Building 23 (Guest House).

Noise, Vibrations, and Dust

• The construction activities will be disruptive. Noise and minimal vibrations from heavy construction equipment are expected and will be closely coordinated with neighboring buildings. EH&S is continually monitoring noise and dust levels.

• The construction teams plan to use methods similar to those successfully used during BioEPIC's construction to mitigate vibrations as much as possible.

• PIMD will convene periodic coordination meetings throughout construction to keep science partners informed of the overall schedule as well as more aggressive activities (e.g., hydraulic hammer operation during demolition).

Library

• If you need consultation or help tracking down books and no one is available in the Library office, 50-4032, please email library@lbl.gov.