Work continues to progress on garage repairs. Structural engineers have determined the cause of the pressure on the garage walls to be a combination of settled backfill and water intrusion. Water intrusion through the porous concrete had also rusted the reinforced steel supporting the sidewalk. As the backfill settled, the sidewalk separated from the garage.
To address the issues, full excavation of the old backfill was required. The space will be filled with Geofoam, a non-settling product with the required compression strength needed to support the sidewalk. This material will exert no pressure on the garage walls. Additionally, proper waterproofing of the structure is currently in progress. These measures will correct the issues with the garage and ensure its structural integrity.
Enhancements to the garage are also underway as part of the project. A new elevator and extension of the stairs will be completed at the West Church Avenue entrance of the garage. The company that manufactured the old elevator is no longer in business – making parts for repairs expensive and difficult to obtain. An improved plaza area will also be part of the renovated structure.
“We were pleased to find the issues with the garage were not more complicated than they appeared. Upon excavation, we found the structural integrity to be sound and planned standard repairs. The contractor expects to have the majority of the project complete by the end of the year,” said Angie Luckie, Director of Public Services.
Traffic pattern
Traffic on W. Broadway Avenue is still open only to westbound traffic from Cusick Street to Cates Street. Once the Geofoam is installed, the eastbound lane will be reopened – expected early October.
Parking availability
“Visitors downtown are also discovering new parking options they may not have known about prior to the construction project. There are two additional parking facilities very close to the Broadway garage – an open lot on W. Church Avenue and a parking garage on W. Harper Avenue. An additional parking lot is also available across W. Harper Avenue from the parking garage,” said Luckie.
Repairs and improvements to the W. Harper Avenue garage were finished and all levels reopened earlier this month.
In order to help visitors find nearby parking, the City has installed a new directional and site marker sign package. The new signs are bright green with white lettering and direct motorists to the nearest parking lot depending on their location downtown. Sullivan’s Downtown continues to operate a courtesy shuttle from the Harper garage during lunch and dinner hours. The shuttle service has been well-received by visitors according to the restaurant staff.
For more information on the project, call Engineering and Public Works at 865-273-3500.
Additional information can be found in our original post here.
To address the issues, full excavation of the old backfill was required. The space will be filled with Geofoam, a non-settling product with the required compression strength needed to support the sidewalk. This material will exert no pressure on the garage walls. Additionally, proper waterproofing of the structure is currently in progress. These measures will correct the issues with the garage and ensure its structural integrity.
Enhancements to the garage are also underway as part of the project. A new elevator and extension of the stairs will be completed at the West Church Avenue entrance of the garage. The company that manufactured the old elevator is no longer in business – making parts for repairs expensive and difficult to obtain. An improved plaza area will also be part of the renovated structure.
“We were pleased to find the issues with the garage were not more complicated than they appeared. Upon excavation, we found the structural integrity to be sound and planned standard repairs. The contractor expects to have the majority of the project complete by the end of the year,” said Angie Luckie, Director of Public Services.
Traffic pattern
Traffic on W. Broadway Avenue is still open only to westbound traffic from Cusick Street to Cates Street. Once the Geofoam is installed, the eastbound lane will be reopened – expected early October.
Parking availability
“Visitors downtown are also discovering new parking options they may not have known about prior to the construction project. There are two additional parking facilities very close to the Broadway garage – an open lot on W. Church Avenue and a parking garage on W. Harper Avenue. An additional parking lot is also available across W. Harper Avenue from the parking garage,” said Luckie.
Repairs and improvements to the W. Harper Avenue garage were finished and all levels reopened earlier this month.
In order to help visitors find nearby parking, the City has installed a new directional and site marker sign package. The new signs are bright green with white lettering and direct motorists to the nearest parking lot depending on their location downtown. Sullivan’s Downtown continues to operate a courtesy shuttle from the Harper garage during lunch and dinner hours. The shuttle service has been well-received by visitors according to the restaurant staff.
For more information on the project, call Engineering and Public Works at 865-273-3500.
Additional information can be found in our original post here.
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