As part of the excavation required for construction of the Science and Engineering Hall—located between 22nd, 23rd, H and Eye Streets—once-daily controlled blasting activities are planned for weekdays at approximately 10:30 am, beginning this Thursday April 26, 2012, and will continue for four to six months. The extent of the blasting will depend greatly on the amount of rock at the site, and although scheduled to occur daily, it is possible that blasting activities may not occur every weekday, depending on excavation progress.

For many, the most noticeable aspects will be the air horns sounding at 15-, five- and one-minute increments prior to each blast and following the blast to indicate “all clear.” Those in the area surrounding the construction site may feel a vibration comparable to a door slam or a large truck driving down the street. Individuals in buildings immediately abutting the site, however, may feel more intense vibrations likened to the vibrations associated with a minor earthquake. In addition, weather conditions, like high humidity or the presence of cloud cover, can cause the air movement from a blast to seem more severe than under other weather conditions. Residential housing and nearby office buildings will not be directly affected by the blasting.

If in the vicinity of the project site when an air horn sounds, individuals should follow instructions from site personnel and obey any additional signage that may be posted. Sidewalks adjacent to the site may be closed temporarily during the blasting events, beginning at the five-minute air horn. Adjacent streets also may be temporarily closed at the direction of D.C. Metropolitan Police, beginning at the one-minute air horn.

For detailed updates on Science and Engineering Hall construction, visit the GW Neighborhood website’s Square 55 page. To see a video of controlled blasting during construction of The Avenue in 2008, visit GW’s campus development website.