Hopkins Road repair awaiting federal funding

Northern Hopkins Road, currently closed because of deterioration, is awaiting the designation of federal funds for 2008.

Erie County Legislator Dr. Barry A. Weinstein, R-Amherst, said in 2001, Erie County applied to the Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District for assistance to stabilize the slope and repair Hopkins Road.

"Northern Hopkins Road has deteriorated dramatically over the last five years," he said.

Under Section 14 of the Corps' Continuing Authorities program, the project is eligible for up to $1 million in federal money, which must be secured through Congress. The cost of the project is distributed 65 percent federal and 35 percent local share. The current estimate for the project is $1.8 million dollars.

The Corps of Engineers is looking into the feasibility of using a new methodology called soil mixing, where soil is combined with concrete to stabilize the soil bank and prevent further deterioration of the road.

This is an alternative to the traditional method of sheet piling for slope stabilization. Poor soil conditions and weak subsurface soils, characterized by a peanut butter consistency, complicate the problem at Hopkins Road, and the soil mixing alternative may be a viable and cost-effective solution to the problem, according to Weinstein.

"I have sent a letter to our congressional representatives urging them to make this project a priority," he said. "These residents have been waiting a long time for a permanent solution. I hope that all the funding will be in place for fiscal year 2008 so that the Corps of Engineers may complete the design phase of this project. Until the funding is secured, the project is at a standstill. I encourage you to contact your federal representatives regarding this issue."