by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
In response to complaints from motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians about the uneven surface on the new roundabout at the foot of Laura Street, the City’s top engineer instructed the project designers Wednesday to come up with a plan to alleviate the problem.
Soon after the circular roadway surrounding the statue of Andrew Jackson astride his horse opened for traffic, complaints began about how rough the ride was.
Complaints were made that even walking across the surface could be a challenge because the “Belgian blocks,” the 40-pound chunks of granite used to pave the roundabout, were shifting out of alignment, creating gaps between the blocks.
In some spots, blocks have risen above other stones, further exacerbating the problem.
“We believe the sand joints called for by the consulting engineers are responsible,” said Bill Joyce, chief of the City Public Works Department engineering division.
At a meeting Wednesday at the Ed Ball Building to discuss the problems, Joyce instructed the consulting engineers, Jacobs Engineering Group and RAM Professional Group, to come up with a plan to correct the shifting, which started after rain runoff eroded the loose sand between the blocks.
“We’re looking for their due diligence,” said Joyce. The meeting included Joyce, Laura Street project manager Paul Crawford and representatives of the consulting engineering firms.
The defect became apparent before work began on the intersection of Laura and Bay streets, where the granite blocks also were used for the new road surface. Based on a recommendation from the contractor installing the blocks, a different type of grout was used and the shifting has not been observed.
Joyce said he couldn’t speculate on what the solution will be or how long it will take to complete the repairs until the engineers submit their plan for remediation. “The worst case scenario would be to have to pull the blocks up and put them back down,” he said.
Joyce also said the consultants would be responsible for the cost of repairing the problem. “We’re looking for a timely fix,” he said.
Crawford, deputy executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, said he will consult management at the Landing to discuss when the work will take place to cause the least amount of disruption for the center’s retailers.
The Landing reported a significant drop in foot traffic and loss of business during the several months while the roundabout was being constructed.
356-2466