Ground Blasting Work to Begin for Tech Square Phase 3

The Tech Square Phase 3 construction project will require ground blasting to remove granite rock to prepare for the building's foundation. The blasting will begin the week of October 23 and possibly continue for two to four weeks. Blasting is expected to take place on weekdays at approximately 2:15 p.m. during the proposed period.

Blasting notification for the surrounding area will occur as follows. (Times are approximate.)

• At 2:10 p.m., five long horns will sound.

• At 2:14 p.m., three horns will sound and then an all-clear horn.

• In the event that detonation is unsuccessful, the contractor will either attempt the detonation again, before 3:30 p.m., or postpone the blast until the next day.

Due to ground conditions, the horn notification is expected to be more disruptive than the blasting itself.  Vibrations will be noticeable in the surrounding areas, and a series of seismographs have been installed in the surrounding buildings to monitor vibrations.

The Biltmore Place roadway will be closed when blasts are planned for the north end of the construction site. Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, and Fifth Street will remain open to vehicular traffic. Depending upon the blast location within the construction site, pedestrian traffic directly along the fence may be closed in the 10 minutes leading up to the ground blast.

Ground blasting will occur as needed and may not happen every day. When blasting is planned, Georgia Tech will notify building and facility managers in the vicinity via email within 24 hours of each blast. 

To be added to the blast notification communication list, contact Lindsey Cottingham, senior project manager for Planning, Design, and Construction, at lindsey.cottingham@facilities.gatech.edu.