City crews are installing a 9.0 metre by 4.8 metre concrete chamber to replace a failed section of sewer pipe, which caused the sinkhole at the Winnipeg/Carney intersection. This section of pipe is responsible for several sinkholes at that location over the last few years.
The chamber has been constructed by crews over the last two weeks. That has allowed it to cure to a suitable strength for a crane to lift it during installation and to withstand the pressure of large storm events like the one in June preceding the current sinkhole situation.
“We believe the issue is really related to turbulence from the energy of the water coming down the hill,” explains Josh Kelly, Supervisor of Energy, Environment, and Sustainability.
“The pipes are meant to last for 80 to 100 years and we are maybe halfway so there should be lots of life left in the rest of the pipes.”
While removing groundwater from around the pipe, crews found eight metres of it had deteriorated at the sinkhole. Kelly touched on the possibility of having to conduct similar projects around the city.
“I hope no more like this in the sense that it was a major emergency. It’s possible that there would be some major infrastructure replacements but hopefully no more like this on an emergency base.”
Once the chamber is installed, the watermain at the site will need to be replaced, traffic signal poles will be reinstated, and backfilling will proceed to restore the road base.
Weather permitting, the City estimates the intersection will be fully repaved and reopened for traffic by mid to late October.
Crews are installing a concrete chamber to replace a failed section of sewer pipe causing the Winnipeg/Carney sinkhole. Expected to reopen by mid to late October #CityofPG @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/EZqfqJuLV3
— Matt Fetinko (@mattfetinko) September 27, 2018
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
