Washington to Seek Bids Soon on Sidewalk Repair Program

The city of Washington plans to seek bids soon on concrete repair work for the coming fiscal year.

Over the last 19 years, the city has spent about $750,000 on projects to eliminate trip hazards on sidewalks, according to City Engineer Dan Boyce.

The 2012-13 program calls for spending close to $83,000 to repair and replace deteriorated sections of sidewalks, curb and gutter and driveways.

A schedule of areas slated for repairs was presented to the city council last week. It was unanimously approved.

The schedule includes 9,520 square feet of sidewalk, 336 lineal feet of vertical curb and gutter, 546 square feet of driveways and one handicap ramp.

Boyce noted that the engineering staff focuses first on “severely deteriorated” areas for repairs.

Originally, the city shared in the cost of repair work with the adjoining property owners. Now, the cost is paid out of the half-cent transportation sales tax fund.

Repair projects are proposed along the following streets: East Fifth Street, West Fifth Street, Cedar Street, West Fourth Street, West Third Street and High Street.

The new city budget, approved last month, has $100,000 earmarked for sidewalk and curb and gutter repairs.

Boyce told council members to contact his office if they have other repair work to be considered for inclusion in the program.