Authority declares emergency for failing culvert on Old Ridge Road; seeks emergency proposals

The Hobart City Redevelopment Authority on Wednesday declared an emergency for a failing culvert near 311 West Old Ridge Road and authorized staff to solicit emergency engineering and construction proposals to design and repair the structure.

Staff described a corrugated metal culvert that appears to have sections reduced from 48 inches to 36 inches, extensive corrosion and a sinkhole that exposed the interior. Presenter staff said scour and metal deterioration have left the structure unstable and recommended immediate engineering assessment to determine replacement scope and traffic safety measures. “It’s been in the ground for about 60 years plus, and it’s really been... we need to address it sooner rather than later,” a staff presenter said during the meeting.

The board voted to declare an emergency and to solicit proposals so staff can obtain engineering plans and cost estimates for repair or replacement. Members discussed options including lining, pipe-bursting or full replacement and emphasized the need to evaluate how much flow the culvert carries before selecting a final approach. Consultant staff present said the on-site investigator will return the following week to prepare a proposal for an engineering plan.

Chair moved the emergency declaration and subsequent solicitation; the motion passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to return with proposals and recommended timelines at a future meeting so members could consider contracting options and any traffic-impact mitigation.

Next steps: staff will commission an engineering scope and solicit emergency proposals so the board can consider contract awards or emergency construction authorization at a subsequent meeting.