Despite rain delays, Covington County Schools’ new centralized track facility should be completed in time to host several meets in the 2019 season.

Superintendent Shannon Driver said the contractor, First Team Construction Co., Inc., is making good progress.

“Obviously, the weather has been a factor,” he said. “The rain set us back a couple of weeks. But the contractor has diligent in working around it. We’ve got good weather now, and we still feel good about being able to get into it for the season. “

The biggest part of the project has been site prep. Architect Walter McKee estimated earlier this year they would need to move 60,000 cubic yards of dirt.

The new facility, located on 109 acres off Hwy. 55, is within 20 to 22-minutes’ driving distance from each of the county’s high schools.

The facility will have an entrance off Hwy. 55, with bleachers on one side of the soccer-sized field. An eight-lane track will circle the field with adjacent spaces for high jump, pole vault, long jump and triple jump events. The facility also will include a 5,000 meter cross country course.

Construction crews are moving good progress on the block buildings – which include dressing rooms, restrooms, and a concession stand.

“The track company will move in as soon as the ground area is ready and dry,” he said.

The lights also are up, and work has begun on the parking lot.

“Barring any more weather delays, we hope to meet the next deadline,” he said. “We should be able to host some meets this season, hopefully three.”

The cross-country trail will be completed after the track is done.