Sylva’s headache, known as the “Allen Street slides,” is nearing completion, with asphalt arriving Tuesday to cover the drive and parking area at Bryson Park below Allen Street. Jake Scott, Sylva’s Public Works Director, mentioned the progress, despite minor delays due to cold weather during the paving.
The initial slide, known as Slide Area I, caused the closure of Allen Street to traffic in March 2020, resulting in the buckling of the asphalt drive leading to Bryson Park. Subsequent slope failures, Slide Area II and smaller slides, led to further closures and erosion control measures.
Scott mentioned the final stages of the Allen Street repairs, including safety measures like guardrails and erosion control. The project also involves renovating Bryson Park, thanks to a $3 million state-funded makeover. Playground equipment will be chosen based on public input during a scheduled hearing.
Scott highlighted the efficiency of current equipment ordering and installation timelines, contrasting them with the delays during the Covid years. The entire project, including park renovations and slope repairs, is expected to be completed by April or May.
Financially, the town gathered funds primarily from the General Assembly and the N.C. Department of Transportation, amounting to $5,314,147 for repairs and renovations. Despite the challenging slopes, erosion control during the drought proved manageable, with minimal incidents of mud washing onto Chipper Curve Road.
Scott praised the contractors, emphasizing their excellence and the successful completion of the project, which involved extensive planning and investigations using inclometers and LIDAR drone scans.
Looking ahead, Scott expressed hopes to prevent kudzu, an invasive plant, from overtaking the newly seeded grass on the slopes, acknowledging potential challenges due to staff constraints in fighting this persistent weed.
