New Copenhagen road is developing problems

It has been approximately three years since the state Department of Transportation commenced rebuilding a portion of state Route 12, north and south, through the village of Copenhagen. It also replaced the bridge spanning across Deer River.

Within the village the road is referred to as Main Street and High Street (determined by the north or south end of the bridge). At the time of completion, the asphalt roadbed within the village exhibited a minor washboard configuration. Presently there are a few locations where the asphalt roadbed is displaying signs of separation.

In February 2009 I wrote a letter to the regional construction engineer concerning the spalling with the concrete sidewalks and driveway aprons when the snow/ice was removed in the winter season. The focal point of my complaint concerned the concrete apron in my driveway. This was installed sometime in September 2007.

During the freezing months of every year, the two center aprons at the junction where it interfaces with the concrete curb would heave approximately three inches and then would return to the same level with the adjacent apron section when the frost thaws with the warm weather. But this year the aprons did not totally level out. A few other locations are experiencing similar situations. Most likely the problem is triggered by the new drainpipes.

I did receive a phone call a month later concerning my complaint. The response was rather vague concerning the problems with the spalling and heaving. There was no commitment to resolve the situations. Since I did not receive a written response, there is no paper trail.

John H. Drewes

Copenhagen