Posted by Sam Low & James Monroe
on Apr 01, 2016
Great News concerning the re-opening of Grade road from our Public Works Director. There has been so much work behind the scenes the last six months to get to this point! Mick sent out this letter recently.
This morning it was discovered that a new section of the embankment has been undermined by about 4 feet and has created a condition that prompt action is require to stabilize this situation. The State Department of Fish andWildlife has issued the City approval to work within a stream to perform temporary repairs. The City has an emergency contract with Marshbank Construction and they have been alerted to mobilize.
Marshbank will be on site on Monday morning to stage equipment and material and setup for the repair work. Actual work is expected to begin on Tuesday. This will include the relocation of the stream away from the toe of the slope and then place larger rocks in the voids under the embankment. This temporary stabilization work is expected to be completed quickly.
For the long term, the City’s Geotech is preparing a permanent repair embankment design that will need State approval. This work will require another approval by the State. Once approved, the City expects to have the permanent work completed this summer and the roadway reopened. This permanent repair work will include work on the sewer main line, construction of a retaining wall, and stream repair and mitigation improvements.
With the recent heavy rainfall events, the City Public Works and Police will be monitoring the roadway this weekend. This is a preventative measure should early action be required by Marshbank.
Mick Monken, P.E.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
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Photo by James Monroe
Sam has visited the site frequently during these initial repairs. He reports: Looked at the Grade Road closure after day one of the temporary repair work done today. With no traffic on the road it is clear the road and hillside are continuing its slide into the creek.
I am thankful we have not allowed traffic on that road as the creek continues to undermine the road and the road has sunk in spots. The temporary repair is to keep the road from continuing its slide into the creek under a special temporary permit issued the other day. Unfortunately, the temporary repairs will not allow traffic yet. However, we can now this summer do permanent repairs (if we get the right permits and sign-offs) to probably and most likely re-open the road late summer or early fall. Things and other plans can change once the area under the road is opened up.
I know for many this news can be frustrating, but believe me when I say two weeks ago it appeared we might have to wait another year or more to open the road. Fixing Grade road will be costly and take more time and effort because of a Salmon bearing stream undermining it. The last week or so has been stressful for many. There is so much work going on behind the scenes that many will never know or hear about. The news so far is good and positive and I wanted to share. I appreciate so many who have been patient in the community as we work hard on this one of many projects. Re-opening Grade road is the utmost priority as long as we can do it legally, safely, and responsibly.
Photo by Ian Terry/The Everett Daily Herald
We are thankful that the City has made this a priority and we look forward to a successful completion of the repair. We also thank the residents of the developments both east and west of that area of Grade Road for their patience as they endure the extra vehicular traffic due to the detours.