City of Yakima crews got started today on a project that will repair damage to a one-block section of Yakima Avenue that was caused by a water main break that occurred this past Saturday.
The first step in the repair process is for City crews to grind up and remove asphalt in most of the two westbound lanes of Yakima Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street as well as the parking strip on the north side of the block. Asphalt in parts of the two eastbound lanes will also be removed.
Work is scheduled to begin tomorrow to remove a one-block section of old water pipe and replace it with new pipe. An approximately 10-foot crack in a section of the old pipe, which is buried below the road surface, resulted in water flowing through the street’s subbase, across the road and the adjacent sidewalk, and even into some nearby buildings. While the cracked section of pipe was removed and replaced on Saturday, City officials have decided to replace the entire one-block section of pipe to avoid future leaks that could develop in the old pipe. Yakima-based Ken Leingang Excavating, Inc. will install the new water pipe.
Early next week, repairs to the damaged parts of Yakima Avenue will be made. The City expects to choose a contractor for the roadway repair portion of the project tomorrow. That contractor will also repair a portion of sidewalk that collapsed as a result of the break. Predicted wet weather may slow the project, but it is expected to be completed within seven to ten working days.
Businesses located on both sides of Yakima Avenue are open now and will remain open throughout the project. Because of concerns over the stability of the roadway’s subbase, Yakima Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street, as well as the sidewalk on the north side of Yakima Avenue, will remain closed until repairs are completed. Businesses located on the north side of Yakima Avenue can be accessed through doors located in the alley between Yakima Avenue and S Sgt. Pendleton Way.
Initial estimates indicate repairs to the roadway and sidewalk could cost up to $100,000. However, if the subbase damage is more extensive than it now appears to be, repair costs could be higher. Installation of the new water pipe will add up to $50,000 to the cost of the project. A capital fund specifically used for projects related to the water system will cover the cost of the road repairs installing the new water pipe.