Project Manager Amanda Rinehart, left, gives council updates on the sinkhole on Marion and Fourth streets in Marietta during Tuesday evening’s committee meetings. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Marietta City Council’s Public Lands and Buildings, and Finance Committees convened on Tuesday to address the escalating infrastructure challenges at the intersection of Fourth and Marion streets.

The deteriorating conditions have prompted immediate action to ensure public safety and maintain essential services.

Driving the News

Infrastructure Concerns: The city is facing a complex utility situation beneath Fourth and Marion streets, where aging storm sewers, water lines, and other utilities require urgent attention.

Structural Risks: Recent assessments have revealed that sections of the storm sewer system in the area are severely compromised, with the potential for collapse if left unaddressed. Several officials noted that voids have formed under the roadway, raising significant safety concerns.

Officials with Marietta’s engineering department had to explore the damage the sinkhole caused on utilities underneath Marietta’s street. (Photo provided)

Financial Implications: Initial estimates suggest that addressing these issues will cost approximately $620,000. This includes excavation, storm sewer repairs, utility realignments, sidewalk replacements, and street paving. An additional $30,000 is projected for reinforcing the existing structures with concrete flooring to prevent future erosion.

What They’re Saying

Project Lead Amanda Rinehart: “What we thought was a simple replace turned out to be a utility nightmare.”

City Attorney Paul Bertram III: “The cost to put the floor in versus the cost of redoing it is five times less, so just put the concrete in on the floor and let’s go.”

Between the Lines

Part of the sinkhole on Marion Street in Marietta. (Photo provided)

The urgency of the situation is compounded by the need to coordinate with various utility services and contractors. Delays in approving the necessary funds could lead to increased costs and prolonged disruptions for residents and businesses in the area.

What’s Next

The committees are exploring funding options, which may involve reallocating resources from other planned projects or seeking emergency assistance from state agencies. A meeting with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to discuss potential support. The council also plans to meet Thursday evening to pass an emergency resolution so the project can receive the funding it needs to ensure it is completed in a timely fashion.

The Bottom Line

Marietta officials are working to address the infrastructure challenges at Fourth and Marion streets, aiming to implement cost-effective solutions that ensure long-term stability and minimize future disruptions.