Hobart authority declares emergency after finding failing culvert on Old Ridge Road

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority voted to declare an emergency after staff described a large, failing culvert near the 300 block of Old Ridge Road that has created scour and a sinkhole risk.

Committee member said staff observed a corrugated metal culvert that appears to step down from a 48-inch section to a smaller diameter and that parts of the metal are “rotten bad,” with unstable walls and a void at the surface. Westover engineers had inspected the site and provided an initial report attached to staff materials; the board asked staff to solicit engineering and construction proposals and to return costs and options as quickly as possible.

Board members said the location is on a heavily traveled stretch of roadway and that the visible damage and erosion posed near-term safety and infrastructure risks. The board approved a motion to declare the situation an emergency and to solicit proposals for engineering and construction work; the motion was moved and seconded and carried.

Staff said the inspection found extensive scour on both banks and that part of the structure may have soil infill rather than a stable invert, making in-place rehabilitation uncertain. Board members discussed options including lining or partial replacement, and asked staff to seek proposals that outline engineering assessments, staged work to maintain traffic, and cost estimates for near-term stabilization versus full replacement.

The board did not set a construction start date; staff said they would return with proposals and cost estimates at the next practicable meeting and would coordinate any required homeowner notifications and traffic planning.

Next steps: staff will solicit proposals for engineering and construction and report estimates back to the authority for a potential contract award or emergency work authorization.