The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, said in its latest release that their teams are working on an emergency contract to help stabilize an approximately 20-foot-wide section of channel wall immediately upstream of the Philadelphia Street Bridge that collapsed into Codorus Creek last week.
The contract will consist of filling in a sinkhole on top of the collapsed section and replacing the stone that fell into the creek.
“ Until a contract can be awarded, which is anticipated in the coming days, engineers are taking immediate temporary action to place material over the sinkhole that contributed to the channel wall collapse to prevent further erosion ,” USACE said.
The masonry channel wall is part of the Codorus Creek flood risk management system that is operated and maintained by USACE.
“ We’re working closely across our entire district team – both on site and back at the Baltimore District offices – to determine the right actions to take while weighing a variety of factors ,” said Col. John Litz, Baltimore District commander. “ In everything we do, public safety is at the forefront.”
The fiscal 2018 President’s Budget includes $15.9 million for the Codorus Creek Flood Risk Management Project. This funding will be used to help address significant issues along the aging project. Work is anticipated to begin over the next year.