Downtown streets close for repair
May 20—Meridian Street in downtown Lebanon is closed for repairs along the Boone County Courthouse square, and Washington Street is scheduled to close for repairs next week.
Crews should complete their job of repaving the south half of Meridian Street and a small section of Washington in time for a motorcycle cruise-in May 27, Lebanon City Engineer Kevin Krulik said.
Workmen are reusing decorative pavers that were installed as part of a downtown infrastructure and beautification project that began on Main Street in May 2018 and was largely complete by September 2019.
A combination of natural elements, not negligence or poor workmanship, dislodged the pavers, Krulik said, adding that once pavers start moving, they no longer lock together.
The permeable pavers allow water to drain to gutters along both sides of the street. Something blocked drainage paths, causing water to build up.
"The sand under the pavers got super soaked with water, and normal traffic vibration caused sand to start moving and come up between the pavers," Krulik said.
The cost of repairs will not exceed $38,000, the amount of the original bid, which included measures to address problems not found when pavers were lifted, Krulik said.
Engineers and inspectors are examining all materials removed from the streets and those left in place to determine what caused the pavers to shift and to prevent further movement.
Dirt blocked a stone layer that is part of the drainage system. Water pooled under the decorative pavers and liquified sand heaved up from between them.
"That stone was basically blocked by sedimentation," Krulik said. "We don't really know how it got there — off of tires, or from whatever — but it blocked the drain path. It was a perfect storm with frozen ground conditions that allowed less drainage. Once that happens, they are no longer locked together and movement accelerates.
"There is nothing wrong with the design or construction. Inspectors looked for signs of negligence, and there was weren't any. Everything was done in accordance with the trade organizations and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement institute."
Decorative Paving Co., is performing the repairs, Krulik said.
While inspectors found no indication that the system will again fail, city leaders have implemented measures, such as increased inspections and maintenance, to prevent additional upheaval, Krulik said.
