Water line broke, buried cables cut

By Kelly L. Griffith
News Editor

During the renovations and additions behind
the Oxendine Science Building, a construction
worker broke a water line on
Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The worker dug up the line, and then a weak
portion ruptured. Anticipating this, he had the
necessary equipment to effectively repair the
water line.

Within two hours, the construction worker
finished repairs. Only Old Main, Moore Hall and UCIS experienced difficulties throughout the day.

On Thursday, Sept. 25 at approximately 12:35 p.m., a Suitt Construction backhoe, digging a hole for the foundation of the Oxendine Science Building’s new wing, cut through some buried cables, leaving Jacobs Hall without telephone services. Network difficulties also occurred in Locklear, Moore and Wellons Halls.

After a repair crew from Goldsboro completed a technical damage assessment, network services were restored early the next morning. By the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 2, the redundant circuits affected were restored and the workers had completed most of the accident clean up.

These problems have not been the first of their kind.

“Unfortunately, this happens too frequently,” Dr. Maurice Mitchell of the UCIS said, “Most people have seen the ‘Call before you dig!’ ads and posters.”

Although the contractor had several meetings with UNCP, everyone must be ready for accidents to occur. The university attempted to find the cables’ path, however, the measurements taken were four inches off.

Director of Facilities Planning and Design Bess Tyner said despite the problems, the general contractor has given over 25,000 man hours with no accidents or injuries.