After one of the most severe floods in our region’s history this past December, many communities are still in recovery mode. Repair work for roads, bridges, levees, and other public infrastructure is ongoing. Recent Seattle Times reporting indicates damage from the floods totals just shy of $183 million, the largest dollar amount of public infrastructure damage in the state in more than four decades.
Osborn was able to step in and provide emergency water and road infrastructure support after the White River broke through sandbags and pooled up to three feet of standing water over a roadway in Pacific, WA.
After necessary safety precautions were taken and steel plates were placed as a stopgap solution, the road was left in rough shape and Osborn moved quickly to assess the site and make recommendations for roadway repair. There was an aging, asbestos cement water main located next to the road, so our team also developed plans for replacing it, working with the city on the best plan of action.
Osborn staff assess the damage after steel plates are removed to determine necessary repairs.
“It’s so meaningful to be able to go out and help agencies in need when there are emergencies,” said Debbie Harris, Project Delivery Manager in Water Resources. “With the deep experience of our leadership team, who have seen just about everything, we’re able to assess situations quickly, make informed decisions, and act fast when it matters most.”
In emergency situations like this, time is of the essence. In the case of both the roadway repair and water main replacement, Osborn moved from notice-to-proceed to plan development in the span of about two weeks. While flood recovery won’t be a simple or short process, Osborn is proud to be playing a meaningful role in helping communities restore the vital infrastructure that keeps us connected and daily life moving forward.
