Oak Ridge Today

UPF construction could cost more, take longer

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The entrance sign at Y-12 National Security Complex at Bear Creek Road and Scarboro Road is pictured above on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12 National Security Complex was supposed to be completed by 2025 for no more than $6.5 billion, but that might no longer be the case.

In the past week, federal officials said construction projects across the country, including UPF, have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain delays, inflation, labor shortages, and increased labor costs. Those factors have led to higher construction costs and longer project timelines, the federal officials said.

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Groundbreaking Thursday for UPF Construction Support Building

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Y-12 National Security Complex Aerial View

The Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge is pictured above. (File photo courtesy Y-12)

 

A groundbreaking has been scheduled for Thursday morning for the three-story Construction Support Building for the multi-billion dollar Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12 National Security Complex.

This will be the first construction for the UPF project that starts to change the skyline of the Y-12 National Security Complex, a media advisory said.

It said UPF will be a first-of-its-kind complex that supports enriched uranium operations for Y-12 missions. The National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, is using a “build to budget” strategy and has committed to Congress to provide these facilities by 2025 for no more than $6.5 billion, the advisory said.

“As one of the largest construction projects in Tennessee history, UPF will have a significant impact on local and state economies, the advisory said.

Those expected to participate in the Thursday groundbreaking are NNSA Administrator General Frank Klotz, Congressman Jim Cooper, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Commander and District Engineer LTC Stephen Murphy, and UPF Federal Project Director Dale Christenson. [Read more…]