Scenic Drive contract awarded

The city budgeted $1 million from the street fund for the first phase of the project. Another $325,000 is available for the stormwater system improvements from the sewer fund.

The bid for phase one work by Crestline came in under the city’s budgeted amount and beat out: Tapani Incorporated, which sought $1.2 million; Nutter Corporation, which was closer to $1.3 million; and 3 Kings Environmental, Inc., which came in at more than $1.3 million.

Dale McCabe, city engineer, told the city council Jan. 12 that continual shallow movement of land has caused the pavement on Scenic Drive to become severely cracked and distressed. As a result, the stormwater catch basins and drain pipes have settled to a depth that they no longer work properly.

Problems with the existing drainage system have allowed water to seep into the embankment, which has set the stage for more slides.

McCabe said the most problematic sections of Scenic Drive were on the north side near the downhill edge. He told the council Jan. 12 that, although the problematic section of roadway is located within the historic Kelly Avenue Landslide zone, the current problems are unrelated. He said engineering studies have determined the current damage to Scenic Drive is being caused by an infiltration of water to a depth of about 10 feet.

In the 1980s, major earth movement was caused by excessive groundwater and deep wells were dug to stabilize the terrain.

Phase I of the stabilization project, said McCabe, involves construction of about 565 feet of an estimated 1,085 feet of retaining wall to stop future embankment failures.

The project is expected to begin in early February and wind up in late May. A road closure will be necessary and only local traffic will be allowed to drive through the area.

The work also includes installation of subsurface drains and a new storm water collection system.

In 2018 or 2019, the second phase of the project will be undertaken. That work will include installation of the remaining portion of the retaining wall system, replacement of the existing sanitary sewer collection system and installation of new curb, gutter and sidewalk. At that time, the roadway will also be reconstructed between Jefferson Street and Esther Way.