At the end of last summer, the heavily used Bridgeport Recreation Complex saw work being done that had nothing to do with amenities being added. Instead, nearly $50,000 was approved to fix a slip that city officials had tried to fix themselves.

 

The area in question, near the walking trail that fronts State Route 131 and above a retaining wall near that roadway, was repaired by Pineville Paving and Excavating. The contractor used plans designed by the Thrasher Group to make the fix at an exact cost of $47,040.

 

The good news is that the project worked. The bad news is that another slip has developed below the past area is also going to need attention.

 

According to Bridgeport City Engineer Tom Brown, the Thrasher Group is looking at the new slip. He said it’s way too early to estimate how much a cost will be to make the repair to the area in question.

 

“It may be simple or it may be complex,” said Brown.

 

Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton said that based on early discussion, the same problem that created the initial slip is likely creating the second slip.

 

“There’s a water source from an unknown origin on the hillside that has probably led to this,” said Burton. “It’s probably running along a clay seam and since water can’t penetrate the clay it’s likely what has led to the slip.”

 

Burton, Brown and Thrasher, led by P.E. Jeff Gola, have explored the area. Burton said they hope to have a better handle on the situation in the near future.

 

“Unless it comes back as something very simple, we’re possibly looking at going through the bid process again,” said Burton. “The one thing we want the public to know is that there is no safety issue with this slip. It’s at the bottom of the hill and we’re monitoring it, but it’s something that those who utilize the facility and the walking trail need to be worried about.”

 

Burton added that during his time with P&R he’s dealt with multiple slip issues and several city venues. He said there’s one thing that is constant in these situations.

 

“Sometimes a slip may stabilize itself, but they simply don’t repair themselves,” he said. “Typically, due to weather and other natural factors, they tend to get worse at various levels. We’re in the process now of getting this fix and hopefully preventing and further issues in that area, but it’s impossible to say we’ll not see another one in that area.”

 

Editor's Note: Don Burton show the area that was repair last year in the top photo, while the bottom photo shows the area just below where Burton is pointing that shows the new slip.