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Cracks in road and sidewalks concern Twin Lakes resident

Sandra Bagnuk points out cracks along the streets and sidewalks in her portion of Twin Lakes. Bagnuk said she noticed the cracks were expanding and deepening. “I don’t want to blame it on the heat,” she said Aug. 15 as a summer heatwave arrived. - Andy Hobbs/Federal Way Mirror
Andy Hobbs/Federal Way Mirror
Sandra Bagnuk points out cracks along the streets and sidewalks in her portion of Twin Lakes. Bagnuk said she noticed the cracks were expanding and deepening. “I don’t want to blame it on the heat,” she said Aug. 15 as a summer heatwave arrived.

By ANDY HOBBS
Federal Way Mirror Editor
August 31, 2012 · 10:54 AM

Sandra Bagnuk has lived in her Twin Lakes home on SW 327th Street since 1968. She takes her dogs for daily walks, and recently, she noticed new cracks forming on the sidewalks, curbs and streets.

On the brink of a summer heat wave Aug. 15, Bagnuk pointed out what she said were widening hairline cracks that started at the curb and surrounded a manhole cover on 35th Avenue SW.

“I’m totally obsessed with it now,” she said. “I walk this road 365 days a year. I know my neighborhood.”

Causes of cracks in streets and sidewalks include wear and tear, stress from traffic loads, temperature fluctuations and moisture penetration.

Broken sidewalks or uplifted sidewalks that pose a trip hazard are repaired by the city’s street maintenance crew. To report a concern, visit www.cityoffederalway.com/requesttracker.aspx. Also call (253) 835-2700.

LEARN MORE

Check out a study from Oregon State University on the types of pavement distress, covering the gamut from hairline cracks to buckled concrete.

Contact Federal Way Mirror Editor Andy Hobbs at editor@fedwaymirror.com or 1-253-925-5565 (ext 5050).

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