The Wilson West expansion project, which will accommodate the upcoming High Magnetic Field X-Ray Beamline, remains on schedule for beneficial occupancy by November 15th. This exciting development means that we are approaching the move-in phase.
According to project manager, Alex Chevallard, the final components of the building's exterior are currently being installed. Meanwhile, interior construction is progressing rapidly as the contractor shifts from initial rough work to finishing touches. Additionally, the integration of cross-building systems and the commissioning of chilled water systems are ongoing processes.
Site restoration efforts have reached the 50% completion mark, with the entire restoration project expected to conclude before the end of October. This news underscores the steady progress being made toward the project's completion.
CLASSE Technical Director, Ernie Fontes, reports that as soon as the contractor hands the site over the HMF beamline construction team will start to install, test, and commission new hardware. “Absolutely essential to locating the new x-ray beamline is extending the laser-tracker coordinate systems from Wilson lab into Wilson West,” says Fontes, referencing a coordinate system that will allow the massive new HMF lead-shielded hutch to be located with sub-millimeter accuracy, “At the same time, x-ray optics components will start being installed, starting with the upstream-most apertures and shutters, and moving downstream over the course of 2024. The beamline front-end will be installed during the summer 2024 shutdown, so later in the year we may see the first x-ray beams in the new building!”