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Engineers warn of large sinkholes on 6th & Walnut; bandage repair estimated at $250K–$300K
Summary
Public works showed photos of a collapsing corrugated metal pipe and stone arch in the 6th/Walnut watershed, said a repair contract with Lexico is in place with work to begin mid‑December, and gave an initial repair estimate of $250,000–$300,000 for a bandage fix and up to another ~$200,000 if the main arch is replaced.
Public works staff briefed the Leavenworth City Commission on a failing stormwater conveyance under 6th Avenue and Walnut that has generated a large sinkhole and multiple subsurface voids.
Project manager Justin Stewart and Deputy Director Mike Steven explained the failure modes: older corrugated metal pipe bottoms have rusted through and voids caused by backfill and debris lead to sudden sinkhole formation. Staff showed historical imagery and street views documenting slow deterioration that became a visible sinkhole in late 2024. The city has an executed contract with Lexico for near‑term repairs and intends to start work when materials arrive in mid‑December.
Cost and scope: Staff provided order‑of‑magnitude estimates: $250,000–$300,000 to "bandage" and stabilize the failing corrugated metal pipe segment, not including a full replacement of the underlying stone arch; replacing the main arch (a deeper and more permanent fix) could add roughly another $200,000, depending on the approach. Staff emphasized tradeoffs between a shorter‑term patch and a longer‑term replacement that would be more disruptive and likely require tree removal and deeper excavation near adjacent basements.
Funding and prioritization: The stormwater program has many deferred projects and limited annual capacity; staff said a single project can consume a large share of the annual stormwater budget and urged a citywide prioritization conversation and continued grant hunting.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the Lexico contract work, continue to assess system vulnerabilities, and return to the commission with budget options and possible grant opportunities; commissioners asked staff to prioritize safety, property protection and long‑term asset management.
Provenance: Presentation began with public works introductions and concluded with discussion of funding constraints and next steps.
