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NEWS
Cabell courthouse elevator project nears completion
Randy Wintz, left, and Wes Linville continue work on the Courthouse elevator on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the Cabell County Courthouse in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- The $180,000 elevator project at the Cabell Courthouse is nearing completion, said County Manager Chris Tatum.
The project started on Jan. 7, with an expectation of six weeks to replace all the mechanical components and modernize the car's exterior. Tatum said work has run smoothly, as has the contingency plans for employees and courthouse patrons.
Shutting down the lone elevator in the courthouse, which has three stories and a basement, meant working with all the department officials to ensure those with disabilities, wheelchairs or seniors could be taken care of. And they have, Tatum said.
"The protocol while all this is going on, is the security department assesses the individual as they come," he said. "If they're a senior, on crutches, in a wheelchair, and ask them where they need to go and offer assistance."
They've had to move a few family court cases to the basement, which has wheelchair access. There is a juvenile courtroom that has all the recording equipment and an attorney-client room.
The elevator in the old jail, which connects to the courthouse through a second-story walkway, has only been utilized once. Tatum said it was by an employee and involved an instance of injury.
Once the elevator project is done, planning will begin for the spring sidewalk replacement on the courthouse property. Bids for the project will be opened at the second week in March.
Tatum said contractors will replace one area at a time and will work to minimize any disruption for people coming to and going from the courthouse.
