West River Parkway Remains Closed as Soil Testing Begins
Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 6:00PM;)
Via a July 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
A section of West River Parkway remains closed as the Minneapolis Park Board, Fairview Hospital and engineers work to determine the stability of the slope above the parkway that collapsed on June 19. Due to the slope’s sharp angle and shifting, wet surface, moving the soil boring testing equipment into place has proved more challenging than anticipated. However, engineers are now expected to begin core sample testing today, July 9.
Patron safety is the Park Board’s primary concern. Until soil samples are taken and analyzed and the area is determined to be safe, West River Parkway will remain closed between 4th Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge. This includes the parkway and the adjacent pedestrian and bike trails. Trail users are unable to travel beyond the barricades and fencing installed on both sides of the impacted area.
The parkway detour for motorized vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian traffic follows Franklin Ave E to Riverside Ave to 4th Street S. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the south will access the detour at Franklin Ave. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the north will access the detour at 4th Street S. Detour signs are posted along the detour route.
Reader Comments (1)
If part of the slope collapsed before, I don't blame them for keeping the area closed. Testing the soil would be a good idea. That way they can figure out how to make it more stable. Keeping people safe is a big priority in cases like these, so it's great that they are keeping pedestrians away. http://www.eastcoast-geotech.com.au/Domestic-Consultancy-pg23986.html