Cape Coral leaders to address sinking roadway with $500,000 emergency repair

Cape Coral city leaders are expected to approve a $500,000 emergency repair to stabilize a sinking roadway on Northwest 16th Terrace, aiming to prevent further damage and ensure safety.

Jackie GuentherCAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral city leaders are expected to approve a $500,000 emergency purchase to stabilize a sinking roadway on Northwest 16th Terrace during their meeting Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The depression spans about 80 feet in diameter, and a recent geotechnical report revealed that the ground beneath the road is still moving. Engineers say there is no indication that the settlement has stopped, prompting the city to act quickly to prevent further damage to the road and potentially nearby public or private property.

Instead of following the city’s normal competitive procurement process, the repair will be handled as an emergency purchase, with funds coming from the city’s six-cent gas tax fund.

Engineers with ECS Florida recommend using a process called compaction grouting, which involves injecting grout into the ground through 12 locations at an average depth of 40 feet. The goal is to stabilize the ground beneath the road and stop the continued settlement.

Jack Johnson, a resident of Northwest Cape Coral, shared his thoughts on the planned repairs.

“I think it’ll stabilize my driveway here. And if that happens and I can go ahead and hire a company to come in and tear out the concrete. Just left it in here. And for a new driveway,” Johnson said.

City council members are expected to approve the emergency response during Wednesday afternoon’s meeting.

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