Prepared by the Capitol Visitor Center Project Office, Architect of the Capitol, June 10, 2002

This Week - Ongoing Work - 6/10/02 through 6/14/02

Utility Work

Utility work is required in the pre-construction phase of the Capitol Visitor Center project. Utility lines will be moved in stages so construction work can take place at times intended to minimize disruption to traffic. Required materials are being staged on the East Front grassy areas.

1. House-side Utility Line Installation -
   1. South Barricade Entrance - CVC utility work and other AOC work continue in the eastern portion of this zone and along Southeast Drive. Pedestrian access from Independence has been established along the east and west sides of the drive lanes.
   2. House Egg - The grassy oval area or "egg" opposite the House Wing is being used to stage utility materials. In addition, excavation and utility installation continues in the egg.
2. Senate-side Utility Line Installation -
   1. Northeast Drive - Excavation and utility installation work continues along Northeast Drive. There will be no parking on Northeast Drive until this and other AOC work is completed in this area.
   2. Senate Steps and Carriageway - CVC excavation and utility installation work around the Senate steps is complete with the exception of some minor work on the north side of the steps. The fencing around the steps will be removed early in the week. The Carriageway remains available for use.
   3. Northwest Lawn - CVC excavation and utility installation will occur on the West Lawn (just north of the lower west front steps) and construction fencing will be installed.

Historic Preservation

Removal of the historic Frederick Law Olmsted landscape features, including the fountains, lanterns and retaining walls on the East Front Plaza, is required to clear the site for CVC excavation. All historic materials that are removed will be catalogued, stored, and reinstalled in their original locations once the new Plaza has been completed.

1. House-side Historic Preservation - Crews continue to catalogue the historic landscape features around the House egg in preparation for their removal and storage.
2. Senate-side Historic Preservation - Crews begin removing historic landscape features along the southeast and southwest quadrants of the Senate egg. Fencing has been erected around the historic landscape features in these zones. The parking spaces along the southwest quadrant of the egg have been shifted slightly westward to clear the way for removal of the wall and lampposts in this area. No parking has been eliminated. In addition, the Trolley Stop canopy structure (located in the triangular grassy area just across from the Senate Media Site) will be removed and stored for reinstallation upon CVC completion.

Alternate Media Sites

CVC construction requires the temporary closure of both the Senate and House media sites within the north (swamp site) and south (Elm site) eggs, respectively. Temporary alternate sites are being established for the Senate media in Upper Senate Park near Delaware Avenue, and the House media on the northwest terrace of the Cannon Building.

1. House Media Site - Work on the platform and connecting utilities continues on the Cannon terrace.
2. Senate Media Site - Work on the platform begins at the media site location in Upper Senate Park opposite the Russell Senate Office Building.

Construction Fencing - Installation of wood board fencing continues around the CVC project area and will be completed by early July, at which point the East Plaza will be closed to all but emergency vehicular traffic. Trim and paint work on the fence also continues.

Tree Maintenance - All protected trees appear healthy and transplanted trees are doing well. Tree monitoring activities continue.

Next Week - Anticipated Work - 6/17/02 through 6/21/02

Utility Work

1. House-side Utility Line Installation -
   1. South Barricade Entrance - CVC utility work and other AOC work will continue in the eastern portion of this zone and along Southeast Drive.
   2. House Egg - Excavation and utility installation in this area will continue.
   3. House Steps - Excavation and utility installation will begin on the north side of the House Steps. Construction fencing will be erected around this construction zone and the two lower steps will be removed. Access to all other portions of the House Steps and access to the House Carriageway will be maintained.
2. Senate-side Utility Line Installation -
   1. Northeast Drive - CVC excavation and utility installation will continue along Northeast Drive. There will continue to be no parking on Northeast Drive until other AOC work, not related to the CVC, is completed in this area.
   2. Northwest Lawn - CVC excavation and utility installation will occur on the West Lawn and construction fencing will be installed.

Alternate Media Sites

1. House Media Site - Work on the platform and connecting utilities will continue on the Cannon terrace.
2. Senate Media Site - Work on the platform will continue at the media site location in Upper Senate Park.

Historic Preservation

1. House-side Historic Preservation - Crews will continue to catalogue the historic landscape features around the House egg in preparation for their removal and storage.
2. Senate-side Historic Preservation - Crews will continue removing historic landscape features along the southeast quadrant of the Senate egg.

Tree Maintenance - Tree monitoring activities will continue.

If you have any questions about the Capitol Visitor Center Project, please contact Tom Fontana, CVC Project Communications Officer for the Architect of the Capitol, at (202) 228-1310, or by e-mail at tfontana@aoc.gov

If you experience any problems with building services inside the Capitol, please contact the Capitol Building Service Center.