WASHINGTON -- If you ever wanted to feel like you live inside a horrible nightmare of a videogame soundtrack, George Washington University is about to make your dreams come true. Controlled blasts for the future site of the university's Science and Engineering Hall have begun and are scheduled to last until at least August -- possibly until October.
The site in Foggy Bottom, between 22nd, 23rd, H and I streets NW, needs to clear rock formations near the surface, according to senior associate vice president for operations Alicia Knight. Similar blasts occurred for The Avenue Suites hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and at 23rd Street NW and Constitution Avenue for the Institute for Peace building.
The blasts are scheduled for each weekday at approximately 10:30 a.m. Air horns sound off 15, 5 and 1 minute before and after the blast, signaling all is fine.
Certain days, at least May 5, 12 and 19, will be construction free due to Reading Days and exam dates.
According to the press release, the noise level is comparable to a "large truck passing by" and "a vibration comparable to a door slam or a large truck driving down the street." So think trucks, not massive subway tunneling. Big, giant hole filling trucks.
For updates on the construction, visit the GW Neighborhood Site.