A section of Como Lake Avenue has re-opened in both directions after a massive concrete Evergreen Line guideway unexpectedly shifted above the intersection at Clarke Road, prompting the street's closure on Friday.
The incident occurred when a spacer at the top of the column on the southwest side of the intersection failed, causing the beam to drop and rotate.
Como Lake was re-opened Sunday afternoon after crews worked to install additional iron braces and supports to secure the guideway, according to Amanda Farrell, the project director of the Evergreen Line.
"The engineers completed a thorough examination over the weekend," she said. "As a further precaution, additional bracing and supports have been installed."
Engineers still do not know why the concrete holding up the beam failed, but Farrell said crews will no longer use the spacers in Evergreen Line construction. She added that because the guideway was supported by the concrete columns, it is unlikely the piece would have fallen on the road below.
The next step is finding a way to reposition the beam so it is resting in the proper spot. Engineers are currently working on a plan and will likely need to close Como Lake again when they move the guideway back.
Farrell has said that the additional work is not expected to delay the project and all costs resulting from the re-positioning of the beam will be paid for by the contractor.
"It won't [be moved] this week," she said. "When it does happen, we will work to minimize the closure and make sure it happens in an off-peak time."
