New Kent Street Sidewalks Crumbling

After nearly a year of construction to the downtown, the major overhaul was completed earlier this fall.  However, it didn’t take long for deterioration of sidewalks to crop up.  The damage being seen in a number of areas across the new pavement is what is called “pop-outs” or “scaling” according to city engineers.  This is primarily a cosmetic problem; the concrete remains strong, however the city is evaluating the problem.

According to Portland City Manager Andrew Dymczyk, while the project was largely funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation, he does not believe the sidewalks are covered by the warranties usually required of MDOT funded roadwork. However, since the contract for the Kent street project remains open it is possible that repairs could be affected that way.  Another factor they are looking at is the impact of salt which can damage new concrete more so than older surfaces. 

While city engineers are currently evaluating options, they are also looking at whether the affected concrete areas were part of the sidewalk that was pulled up and replaced due to utility work after the original sidewalk was poured.  In that case the utility company would be responsible for the quality of the work.  Much of that utility work happened late last fall after temperatures already turned cold, which can negatively impact quality.  City staff are already working with the utility to get those areas of sidewalk replaced.

Regardless of the cause, Dymczyk says that repairs are anticipated to take place this spring as final touches like landscaping are finished along Kent Street.  This spring also will see continued work on the Looking Glass Plaza at the intersection of Grand River Ave and Kent St, so slow down and watch for construction barrels in the downtown for the coming season.