WILDWOOD, FL (352today.com) – Testing is done and there’s now a plan to fix holes that appeared in a road in The Villages section of Wildwood last week.
A release from the City of Wildwood says officials have received geotechnical testing reports and recommendations to fix ‘surface depressions’ that appeared at 5980 Scardino Street. The city has given emergency approval to a company called Earth Tech, LLC to begin work.
“We have given this issue our utmost attention since learning of its existence,” said Public Works Director Jeremy Hockenbury. “We recognize the concern and inconvenience it has created for local residents, and we are working as quickly as we can while taking every possible precaution to ensure their safety while work proceeds.”
The depressions appeared last week near the middle of the road and at the corner of a driveway in the Village of Monarch Grove. A report from The Villages Public Safety Department said one hole was 4-5′ across and 5-7′ deep, another hole that was partially in the road at the corner of a driveway was estimated at 3′ long, 1′ wide and 3′ deep. A third hole was in the driveway of a private residence and measured roughly 2′ long, 1′ wide and 5′ deep.
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A community watch crew immediately secured the right-of-way and backfilled the depressions to prepare for geotechnical testing to determine the source and cause. The city says engineers conducted and analyzed a ground-penetrating radar survey that identified a semi-elliptical anomaly of approximately 350 square feet.
The city says three standard penetration test borings were done in that area to assess soil classifications and strata including sand, clay, and weathered limestone. The tests also measured the density of soil to determine ground strength and stability.
Based on the data collected, the city says engineers recommended deep pressure grouting injected at 15 locations to depths “sufficient to encounter competent limestone” in order to stabilize the area beneath the surface.
Crews began preparing the site Thursday with the hope to begin work to repair the problem early as Friday, Aug. 25. The work is expected to take a week. Crews will work 10 to 12 hours a day, weather permitting.
“We are eager to get this work underway and to restore Scardino Street to the condition and quality residents have come to expect,” City Manager Jason McHugh said. “We take pride in our infrastructure and the level of service the city provides its citizens. While some phenomena are beyond human control, we always do everything within our power to provide the best possible response.”
The affected section of roadway remains closed to traffic. The city says once grouting work is complete, they will allow limited access to the area while additional utility and asphalt repairs are done.