*Shaw Bros.’ Chris Bonenfant discusses progress with a visitor*

| Paul Gillis |

Enjoying your time at work can be elusive, but many in construction do just that. The four workers Tuesday at the Stevens Brook culvert project represent 90 years of construction experience, ranging from 18 to 26 years. What is it that they like about construction work? “Everything” was a frequent reply. In particular, the ability to work outdoors, seeing and being part of the creation of something that didn’t exist before, the money, the fact that no two days are the same, that every day brings issues that need to be solved quickly and without losing money, and that your efforts leave something visible at the end of the day. On the other hand, weather and traffic are some of the least favorite things to be dealt with.

Many construction positions are learned by on-the-job experience. Entry-level positions allow the employee to earn good wages right from the start and work with their hands, while learning from others around them. Most workers in the industry are happy to share information, help newcomers, and tell stories about the successes and challenges they have dealt with. While formal education helps in some positions, gathering experience from the “ground up” is invaluable.

This week will see the pavement hauled away for recycling along with excavation around the 1927 culvert, which turned 97 years old last month. The culvert’s removal will be followed by delivery and setting of the precast replacement culvert, expected to begin next week. The temporary road has been removed and will be hauled away from the site.

Quiz Time
Question 1:
— If four workers have a total of 90 years of experience, what is the average length of experience?
A. 20 years
B. 22.5 years
C. 25 years

Question 2:
— If the asphalt for 130 feet of a road that is 25 feet wide needs to be removed, how many square yards of asphalt will be removed?
A. 3,250 square yards
B. 361 square yards
C. 3,610 square yards

For comparison, the overall court playing surface (court & side areas) for a tennis court may be approximately 800 square yards.