Nov 18, 2015 2 min read

A recent improvement project along the Route 19 corridor in Washington revealed a hidden structure.

While paving this spring, state Department of Transportation workers discovered a culvert under Highland Avenue near the intersection of North College Street.

“The city was never notified,” said Ken Westcott, councilman and head of the street department.

PennDOT backfilled the culvert and paved the road. In May, however, a problem arose as a section of Highland began to sink.

The area was covered with two large metal plates while city and PennDOT officials determined who would foot the bill for repair work. Motorists traveling through the area have been swerving to avoid the plates, leading to safety concerns.

“Unfortunately, it’s been back and forth between the city and PennDOT. We both agreed it needs to addressed,” Westcott said. “Our concern is when people swerve, it creates an issue.”

A compromise was reached, with PennDOT agreeing to provide materials and the city agreeing to fund the work.

“We are assisting the city with their repairs,” said Valerie Peterson, PennDOT spokeswoman. “We reached out to contractor just last week … to coordinate the repairs.”

During its Nov. 5 meeting, City Council approved more than $11,000 to Slusarczyk Excavating for repair work, with PennDOT providing about $3,500 worth of materials.

City engineer Sarah Boyce, of Widmer Engineering, said the plates were removed in October so the area could be inspected.

“The initial void filled with sediment from rain. The area is continuing to sink,” she said.

Repairs are scheduled to begin Nov. 30. Highland Avenue will be closed from North College Street to Burton Avenue for about a week during construction.

“They’re going to dig it down, backfill it with stone, pour a concrete cap and repave,” said Boyce, who estimated the total work area as 14 feet by 14 feet. “The plates are secure. The biggest concern is to try to get it done before wintertime.”