Sinkhole repair projects compared

When a sinkhole in Boulder was repaired in 36 hours, it raised questions about why a sinkhole in Colorado Springs has closed a street for three weeks.

The Boulder sinkhole formed during a water main break Sunday morning and officials expected it would be repaired, and the affected street reopened, by Monday evening.

A sinkhole on Chestnut Street in Colorado Springs between Vondelpark Drive and Ellston Street developed Aug. 10 when heavy rain caused a culvert to fail. The city decided to expand repairs to include a bridge replacement in the area.

However, engineers have yet to design the bridge because construction was scheduled for 2019. The project’s cost and completion date are undetermined.

“It may be longer than three months,” said Aaron Egbert, the city’s senior civil engineer. “We have to select a structure type and have a public meeting about how long the (street) actually will be closed.”

Meanwhile, people who drive and walk through the area are frustrated by detours around the area.

“I’m not buying the city’s explanation,” said Kenneth Reed, a neighbor. “I don’t think it’s going to be done in a satisfactory amount of time.”

Nick Grossman, Boulder’s public works director, said it’s unfair to compare the Chestnut situation with sinkholes caused by water main breaks.

“It’s an apples to oranges comparison,” Grossman said. “And we have a consolidated public works department, combining transportation and utilities, so we can make repairs faster.”