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Commissioners report pieces of concrete falling from courthouse tunnel; structural study underway
Summary
County officials reported small and larger pieces of concrete fell from the tunnel connecting the County City Building and the courthouse; maintenance removed loose material and the county has begun a structural study to determine repairs and water-infiltration fixes.
St. Joseph County commissioners reported March 4 that small and larger pieces of concrete have fallen from the tunnel linking the County City Building and the adjacent courthouses, and the county has launched a structural study to identify repairs.
Board President Commissioner Baxmayer said staff noticed small pieces of concrete falling and later observed larger fragments. Maintenance and representatives from engineering firm DLZ inspected the tunnel and removed loose pieces. "The tunnel really is not in good shape," Baxmayer said, noting the problem is "symptomatic of a building that's of this age" and that water infiltration is suspected.
John Baker and county maintenance personnel inspected the area and removed fragments that posed a safety risk, the board said. The county said it had already requested and received approval to study the tunnel to determine what repairs and water-control work will be required.
Commissioners said an initial structural assessment confirmed there was not an immediate danger of collapse; the county will continue the study to plan long-term repairs and water-management measures. No closures or further emergency actions were taken at the March 4 meeting.
