Dutton Named Lab’s Site Construction Coordinator

Les Dutton of the Lab Directorate’s Project Management Office has been named Berkeley Lab’s Site Construction Coordinator, a newly created position that will help the Lab smoothly navigate more than $500 million in infrastructure improvements and construction projects over the next six years.

Chief among Dutton’s responsibilities is ensuring the Lab’s ongoing operations are impacted as little as possible by the upcoming projects, which include construction of the Helios Energy Research Facility, Computational Research and Theory Facility, ALS User Support Building, Guest House, demolition of the Bevatron, and several seismic upgrades. Despite these efforts, there will be inevitable changes to traffic, parking, pedestrian walkways, and construction noise.

“We will work to minimize any disruptions to the Lab community through good planning and communications,” said Dutton, who reports to Facilities Division Director Jennifer Ridgeway.

Dutton brings more than 30 years of project management to the job. He has much experience in engineering and construction for the scientific community, mainly in the nuclear industry. He has directed large teams of architects, consultants, employees and contractors, and is adept at working with a broad spectrum of personnel and organizations.

Dutton will develop an overarching schedule that tracks the Lab’s many construction projects, as well as other events that may impact Lab operations and traffic. Working closely with each project’s manager and Facilities staff, he’ll monitor construction projects, major deliveries of scientific equipment, conferences, external public activities, utility work, and landscaping.

This information will allow Dutton to coordinate construction traffic and construction staging in a manner that minimally impacts the Lab’s operations and scientific mission.

Dutton will also work with the Public Affairs Department to ensure that the Lab community is informed of any impacts to Lab operations. He’ll also meet with Berkeley city planners to update them on project coordination efforts. In addition, he’ll ensure that safety remains a top priority.

“The environment, safety, and health of employees and visitors will not be compromised throughout this process,” said Dutton.

A soon-to-be-unveiled website will feature construction-related news, schedules, maps, project-specific information, and other helpful resources. And look to “Today at Berkeley Lab” for announcements on the latest news.