As part of a municipal plan to mend damaged sidewalks in the downtown and campus area, the prevalent holes in area sidewalks have raised questions about the length of the city’s construction season.

The city designates a few spots to be repaired each year, according to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.

This year, the downtown and campus areas that began repairs last year were scheduled to be finished. The areas, which extend from West Babcock Drive to Capitol Square, have the highest number of pedestrians in the city.

“I know people are probably frustrated right now, but this probably won’t happen again for another 10 years,” said Ald. Todd Jarrell, District 8.

Sidewalks that have cracks or pose potential safety concerns are subject to construction. The city hires contractors to remove the defective concrete, repave and correct safety hazards.

Verveer said the contractors for the sidewalk jobs were hired in the spring, at which time businesses along the streets undergoing repairs were notified.

While some work, such as that around the Capitol, began in the spring, the work closer to campus did not begin until August.

“There are no good explanations or excuses why it took so long. The contractors simply didn’t start in a timely period,” Verveer said.

University of Wisconsin student Jeff Rose, who lives on West Gilman Street, said it made no sense to begin the work when everyone was moving in.

“They should have finished fixing the sidewalks weeks ago,” Rose said.

Rose said he is woken up at 7 a.m. each morning by jackhammers and bulldozers that are in front of his building. He is also concerned about the safety of his cat, who has nearly been injured by a falling barricade.

City officials say the contractors are unable to move much more quickly to complete the repairs.

“While working on the sidewalks, contractors must keep access to the homes and businesses on the street open,” city engineer Larry Nelson said.

UW junior Megan Toth said this is not always the case at her home. She and her roommates were warned that if they had a car to park in the nearby underground parking structure, there might be times when they would not be able to access it due to construction.

Safety issues also surround the situation. Verveer said it is important to replace the defective sidewalks so pedestrians do not trip and fall.

“We’re always concerned about the area around State Street and Langdon,” he said. “There are a number of elderly people visiting campus, and they can fall due to offset sidewalks.”
Verveer pointed out the danger of the construction on weekend nights.
“When people walk and knock over the barricades, it is especially dangerous because it leaves the areas under construction unmarked,” Verveer said.
No definite date has been set for completion of the projects, Hanson said.