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County plans to upgrade elevators

2 min read
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The Washington County commissioners Thursday awarded a $992,370 contract to Otis Elevator, Pittsburgh, to modernize three elevators in the Courthouse Square office building and another in the courthouse, but because a single elevator accesses second- and third-floor courtrooms, the work could pose an obstacle to those who have disabilities.

“We would keep it out of service for the least amount of time possible,” said Gary Bertosh, director of building and grounds for the county. “Of course we’re going to have to work closely with the courts.”

There is a possibility that the work could be done during a second shift, but late-night jury deliberations, for example, in the more-than-100-year-old courthouse could present a problem for anyone who was unable to climb or descend the wide marble steps from the West Cherry Avenue courthouse basement to the first or second floors or the narrower staircases to the third floor.

None features a stairlift.

“There are other options we could explore, such as temporary lift systems,” Bertosh said.

The last major renovation of elevators was at least a dozen years ago.

The multistory Courthouse Square office building and garage is served by three elevators, and only one at a time would be undergoing renovation.

The project is being paid for by the Act 13 impact fee on Washington County’s unconventional gas wells.

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