Over the last six months contractors have been working on constructing the retaining wall along the east side of the N. White Chapel widening project. Although this portion of the project is taking a considerable amount of time to complete, this relatively hidden structure plays a critical role in the design and construction of the new four-lane thoroughfare and contributes to driver safety and ultimately the preservation of privacy for adjacent residents.

A retaining wall is a structure designed to “retain” material, hence soil, on one side. The east side retaining wall for this project retains the soil that will be beneath the new northbound lanes and serves as the structural support for the neighborhood screening walls.  In this case, contractors are constructing the retaining walls using reinforced concrete, adhering strictly to the structurally engineered design details to ensure safety, stability, and longevity.

Soon contractors will begin constructing permanent masonry screening walls on top of the completed sections of retaining wall. These screening walls are designed to complement the community’s aesthetic by adding texture and style. Once the wall and roadway widening work is completed, landscaping will be added to the medians for a scenic drive.

As of now contractors are working on backfill and clean up tasks associated with the retaining walls. Construction of the retaining and screening walls is estimated to continue into Fall 2020.

The entire N. White Chapel widening project is estimated to be completed by Spring 2022 for an estimated total cost of $17 million.

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