Concrete was being poured for the Rugby Farmers Elevator addition project last week, according to Ken Schaan, president, Rugby Elevator Board.

The process runs 24 hours a day for six days straight. It is a careful process as cracks are to be avoided. It is an interesting process to observe as it is continuous and steady and the results are visible. A big blue pump keeps it going.

This mild winter has helped keep the project on schedule.

“It makes it a lot easier to work,” said Schaan.

The addition is expected to be completed in October or November of 2012. It began May 31, 2011.

The project is expected to cost $8 million and will have a storage capacity of 640,000 bushels. Due to the good harvests in recent years, more storage was necessary.

Train loading time is expected to be reduced by several hours with increased efficiency. The project is predicted to save $20,000 per train.

Schaan said the final plans for the new and improved driveway have not been finalized, but it is expected that it will improve the traffic flow near the elevator as planned.

The next steps are to put the machinery in; putting doors and latches in, installing augers for the top of the bins, and installing a dust control system.

Vigen Construction, Grand Forks, is the main contractor. Vigen uses local subcontractors as much as possible.

This is the first addition for the elevator since 1994.

“The project should be completed by next soybean harvest,” said Schaan.