The city of Medford has extended the construction contract for the renovation of the Middleford parking garage at the corner of Sixth Street and Riverside Avenue.

The work, which began in September as supposed to be completed by December 31st but has been extended to March 1st because of the long cold period the area is experiencing. The delivery of stainless steel screens that will be installed on the stairwells have also been delayed.

The cost has expanded as well, from $1.68 million to $1.74 million, after the discovery of some cracking and other repairs.

Medford officials have decided to put off repairs to a ramp leading to the top floor after it was discovered water had managed to come in contact with a long tensioning rod on the underside of the ramp. The exact cost of the repair is unknown until workers are able to tear away some of the concrete to see the condition of the tension rods.