New construction at Austin High School has made significant progress in the past couple of months, reaching close to 30 percent completion.

Construction crews have been installing underground utilities, placing tilt wall panels, and erecting structural steel. The crew is also preparing the building for interior build out and roofing installation. Progress will continue according with the construction schedule.

“As the walls have gone up so has the excitement of the students, parents, and of the East End community,” Austin High School Principal Steve Guerrero said. “We will continue to collaborate with our construction partners to ensure a smooth and safe transition to the new campus.”

The $80.9 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2020, will feature modern classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and sound and lighting upgrades for the existing auditorium. The new school will also preserve the historic front facade of the original main building, which opened in 1937.

Austin students will continue to attend classes in the temporary learning center located across South Lockwood Drive until the new facility is completed.

Austin is among 40 schools, including 29 high schools, across the district that are being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

More than 80 percent of all HISD construction projects are complete, and HISD will soon boast one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country.

Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest construction updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.