Roofs finished, no more weather-related delays at new Pinckneyville hospital

Now that the project is 'dried in,' there will be no more lost time building the new Pinckneyville Community Hospital due to weather.

A severe winter, followed by a wet spring delayed the start of the project. Heavy rains also caused delays after the project began.

Site Superintendent Jimmie Hunter said that if it is too cold, concrete can't be poured. However, all of the lightweight concrete and rubber roofing is on the building. When it is too cold or too wet, work can be done inside.

Crews worked Wednesday to pour concrete on the east and south of the new building. It is unlikely that concrete will be poured on Thursday. If the temperature drops below 40° F for three straight days, pouring isn't possible. Thursday would be the third straight day of below-average temperatures.

The project is broken into nine sections with work ongoing in eight of them. Work in the ninth section will begin at the end of this month.

Robins & Morton personnel discussed the upcoming IDPH inspections and the timetable for moving into the new facility, which is on target to be completed in May 2015. The next IDPH inspection is tentatively set for the week of Dec. 8.

Hospital Administrator Tom Hudgins said moving plans are in progress. Most of the equipment will be moved by the hospital. The lab equipment will be moved by a contractor.