Construction recently began on a 432-bed addition to the Rappahannock Regional Jail in Stafford, Virginia. The design-build team of architect/engineer PSA-Dewberry and general contractor Balfour Beatty Construction (formerly Centex Construction) is leading the $49-million project, which will include a mix of medium- and maximum-security housing.

The jail expansion is among the first to be constructed under Virginia’s Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) of 2002. “The PPEA enables us to get everything done more quickly–the timeline is much shorter,” says Joseph Higgs, Jr., superintendent of the Rappahannock Regional Jail. “The design-build process will allow us to occupy the new space sooner, which will be a tremendous financial savings for our jurisdictions.”

New facilities will include a two-story, four-level housing pod. The existing structure will be renovated to increase storage, reconfigure visitation, add a new magistrate’s space, as well as improve intake areas. PSA-Dewberry is also providing interior design and security technology services, including the addition of a video visitation system. Dewberry is providing civil engineering for the project.