Fair Oaks Construction: Plan for Crosswalks Still Undecided

Heated debate continued Monday at as Sam Talebian, a DMR Team consultant employed by the City, presented solutions to the cracked crosswalks along Fair Oaks. 

While Talebian told community members at the meeting that the contractor would likely be removing the concrete overlay and adding dowels and wire mesh to secure the plates in place, he told Patch Tuesday that it may, in fact, be more cost efficient to conduct a full removal and replacement of the crosswalks. 

"We are honing down on really what's going to work," said Talebian via telephone Tuesday. "We want the best product for our money."

Attached to your right are ideas being explored. Neither of which have been decided upon. Yet regardless of which option is chosen, Talebian said one lane will remain open at all times while every other intersection is grouped together and worked on simultaneously. 

"We are close to final decisions," said Talebian, noting that the delay is in part due to negotiating with American Asphalt but also the need for an adequate assessment of concrete currently on Fair Oaks. 

DESIGN IN QUESTION

Retired contractor and South Pas resident, Matthew Pendo, has been closely following the construction project. He does agree that full removal would be the best option, yet he fears the same problems will reoccur. 

"The crosswalks on Monterey and Columbia, those were laid on natural soil, and they did not crack as much," said Pendo. "My worry is what they do the second time ... where there is a subbase of stamped concrete ... the same thing might happen again."

Pendo says the most important thing is to find out what's causing the cracks. "The concrete cylinders were made in 2007; that's awfully old," he explained. 

"It was a bad design to put concrete on top of concrete," Pendo continued. "You don't even do that in your backyard."

Not only does he feel there were a lack of tests throughout the project but he and structural engineer, Tuncer Toprakci, say the concrete laid—which is between 3.5 and 5.5 inches, according to Talebian—was not thick enough. 

Talebian, in turn, said he would request updated cylinders but also mentioned many of his decisions were based on the Greenbook—a standard of specifications for public works construction. 

Nevertheless, Talebian veered away from specific details. 

"I feel uncomfortable to get into details as we may have a disputed claim," he said. "Some of what we say inadvertently may be used against us." 

LIABILITY  

Talebian said the City will proceed with the crosswalks whether or not the contractor agrees to pay for it. 

This issue will most likely be resolved at a later date through arbitration. 

"Liability is the last step," said Talebian. "The work is going to get done one way or another."

Having worked as a contractor for many years, Pendo thinks American Asphalt will dispute costs and claim design error. 

"I know it's government money," said Pendo. "But it's also our taxpayer money, and we have to live with it."

The next Fair Oaks Construction Corridor community meeting is slated for 6:30 p.m. August 22 at the . Construction is slated to end before the end of the August. Check back later for info on bulb-outs decisions. 

Editor's Note: The date and location of the Fair Oaks community meeting has changed; this story reflects the most current information.