PMP: Concrete Repairs
Letters are sent each year in March to notify residents if their street is scheduled for concrete repairs during this year’s Pavement Management Program. Concrete repairs typically take place from March to July.
Within 1-2 weeks before construction, the City Project Inspector will visit the concrete installation site to mark the areas of replacement with temporary spray paint. In advance of construction, saw cutters may make superficial cuttings in the asphalt to separate the areas of asphalt and concrete to be excavated.
At least 24 hours before work begins, door hanger notices are left at houses where concrete repair is anticipated to occur. The door hanger will either indicate sidewalk or driveway work. No Parking signs are also placed on the road.
At this point, weather permitting, construction is ready to begin.
The asphalt removed extends about 18 inches out from the street gutter. The asphalt is excavated along with the existing curb, gutter and immediate sidewalk area to make room for the new ramp or sidewalk.
Although parking will not be allowed in the immediate area during construction (as noted by No Parking signs), cars are often still able to drive down the street with guidance from construction flaggers.
Once excavation is completed and materials have been hauled away, wooden or steel “forms” are installed to help shape the concrete as it is being placed. The soil is graded to the appropriate slope for the ramp/sidewalk and for proper drainage of stormwater. The concrete can then be placed.
- It may take 2-4 days to complete the process of saw cutting, excavating and hauling, creating the forms, grading the soil and placing the concrete for the curb, gutter, affected sidewalk and ramp. Construction tape and barriers are put up while the concrete cures.
- Curing can take 1 to 3 days, depending on weather. During colder temperatures, construction blankets may be placed over the concrete to speed up the curing process.
Once the concrete cures, the forms are removed. The excavated area is backfilled and asphalt is patched along the new curb. Asphalt patch backs typically occur 24 to 72 hours after concrete replacement. At this point, the ramp or sidewalk is completed to the point where it is safe for residents to use the area, drive their cars freely and park on the street.
Yes, you can expect the City to install new pedestrian ramps or sidewalks on your street within 1-3 weeks. The pink spray paint indicates where the asphalt and concrete will be excavated to create space for the ramp or sidewalk.
Total expected construction time for each street will vary from 1 week to 3 or more weeks depending on how much concrete needs replaced. Each piece of concrete typically takes 3-5 days until it is ready for public use again. The contractor will work on several sections of concrete each day.
Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, the City of Longmont is obligated by federal law to install ADA ramps at locations where street improvements are made as specified by the Federal Department of Justice guidelines.
We must comply with the ADA, which is enforced by the Federal Department of Justice Access Board. The latest revisions to the guidelines by the Federal Department of Justice Access Board enforce a maximum of 2 percent cross slope.
Sediment is common in the gutter/flowline within city streets. This sediment is often caused by changes in the velocity of the storm water as it flows down the gutter. During rain/snow melt events, the sediment is transported in the water flowing down the gutter/flowline. As the water enters the ADA ramp curb cut opening the velocity of the storm water runoff is slowed, which allows the sediment to settle out within the ramp.
Please avoid watering the excavation site if it is left open for concrete repairs. Watering the area will delay construction. If you live in a residence directly next to the area where construction is taking place, sprinkler heads and lines on your property may have to be moved slightly to properly grade the sidewalk and build the wooden forms to shape the concrete.
YES and NO. Immediately before construction begins, the City’s contractor will post No Parking signs on your block. You will not be able to park in the immediate area during the 3-7 days of construction to leave room for construction vehicles, materials and personnel.
However, only the immediate area around the construction site will have restricted parking. Other parts of the street may not be impacted. You may park in appropriate sections of your street where no signs are present.
If you have additional questions or comments about the concrete repair program, please contact Transportation.
