Tidbit Tuesdays - Removing Sidewalk Trip Hazards

Here at The Retreat, we are always looking for small improvements that can be made to the community. This post will detail the process that resulted in severe trip hazards being removed from the community sidewalks.

Over time, tree roots and ground settling cause sidewalks to become uneven and produce trip hazards. We had several severe trip hazards around the community, and our maintenance committee worked with the board of directors to replace these sidewalk sections.

First, sections that were significantly raised, causing a severe trip hazard, were identified (approximately a two inch raise between sidewalk concrete slabs). Then, bids were sought for the replacement.

Now this may seem like a simple decision. However, there are a couple of options for sidewalk repairs. You can remove the slab completely and pour a new slab of concrete (our eventual choice) or you can have the concrete ground down to remove the hazard. Grinding is a cheaper option, but the slab has visible marks from the work, has reduced strength because of the removed thickness, and doesn't attempt to correct the underlying problem (removing any uplifting roots underneath). While more expensive presently, it was decided to completely replace the slabs, to prevent future repairs at these locations in the near future.

Once this was decided, bids were sought and a company hired to do the replacement. You can see in the above pictures of the repair process in front of Building 800, where one of the worst hazards was located. The board would like to thank everyone for complying with the parking restrictions around these work areas during this process, and hope you enjoy the safer sidewalks around the community.