Prepared by the Capitol Visitor Center Project Office, Architect of the Capitol, November 11, 2002

This Week - Ongoing Work - 11/11/02 through 11/15/02

• The majority of CVC related construction activity is now occurring within the construction fence and the site is secured by the U.S. Capitol Police.
• Significant tunnel construction activity may begin next week along upper Northwest Drive (see “Next Week” - Senate Side).

East Front Plaza Work (Inside the Construction Fence)

• Earth-moving activities continue at several locations across the East Plaza.
• Crews continue to pour the concrete for the guide-walls in the northern half of the site.
• Excavation of the trench for the outer foundation walls has begun on the north side of the CVC site near the southwest side of the Senate Egg.
• Steel beams are being installed in some locations around the Senate Egg to provide earth retention and facilitate excavation activities.

House Side (Outside the Construction Fence)

• No work expected.
• The South Door, the House Steps and the House Carriageway Door remain accessible to pedestrians throughout construction.

Senate Side (Outside the Construction Fence)

• Temporary parking restrictions may be in place (pending approval) on Saturday, November 16, 2002, from 6:00 AM through 12:00 PM, in a portion of the triangular Senator parking lot on the East Plaza near the outbound drive lane and a portion of upper Northwest Drive. The restrictions will clear the way for relocation of a large crane from the CVC site to New Jersey Avenue NW.
• CVC tunnel construction work continues along the east side of New Jersey Avenue NW between Constitution Avenue and C Street. The east sidewalk in this location will continue to be closed, but the west sidewalk is accessible. The street will continue to be restricted to one lane and one way traffic traveling southbound.
• The North Door, the Senate Steps and the Senate Carriageway Door remain accessible to pedestrians throughout construction.

Next Week - Anticipated Work - 11/18/02 through 11/22/02

East Front Plaza Work (Inside the Construction Fence)

• Site excavation will continue in locations throughout the East Plaza.
• Construction of guide-walls and slurry walls along the perimeter of the project footprint will continue.

House Side (Outside the Construction Fence)

• No work expected.

Senate Side (Outside the Construction Fence)

• Work will continue along New Jersey Avenue NW for construction of the CVC service tunnel.
• CVC tunnel construction work may begin (pending approval this week) in a portion of upper Northwest Drive on Monday, November 18, 2002. Parking restrictions in this zone will be in place for approximately 12 months once work begins. Senate staffers who are assigned parking spaces within the affected zone will be provided information regarding alternate parking locations and access routes to these locations.

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.