West Warwick street still in shambles days after water main break

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) –

A road remains in shambles, after what was supposed to be a straightforward repaving project went awry last week in West Warwick.

On Thursday, Acorn Lane partially buckled around 8 p.m. after a watermain break flooded parts of the street. This happened just days after the street was repaved.

And we now know there’s some disagreement over who is at fault for this messy situation- with a piece of machinery at the center of the discussion.

Cardi Corporation, out of Warwick, says when they completed the paving project on Acorn Lane- they used an asphalt road roller in the process, reportedly per its contract with the town. (Please scroll down for the full statement from the company).

In the process of this repaving, damaged pipes underground causing this mess to unfold- impacting gas lines, sewer pipes, and water lines throughout the neighborhood.

Now as repairs continue, a spokesperson for Kent County Water Authority says this all could have been avoided if this roller was not used… which the water department reportedly says they asked of the paving company to do specifically in this neighborhood.

Kent County Water Authority says this extensive repair process is now taking away from other projects in the area.

It’s unclear exactly when the road will be reopened and when all repairs will be completed. As of Monday four homes on the street are still running on temporary water sources and there’s no exact date as to when the road will be fully reopen.

Town of West Warwick statement:

“The Town is still in the recovery and rehabilitation mode to get all services restored and the roadway made safe.  Although I understand that there may be communication between utility providers and construction vendors, the Town has not engaged in the administrative review and calculated fiscal impact yet.  It is my understanding that KCWA may have a couple of days of work ahead before reconnecting the few homes on temporary connections.  Then the roadway will be repaved.”

Cardi Corporation’s statement:

“Cardi Corporation is performing road rehabilitation services under contract with the Town of West Warwick Department of Public Works.  As part of that work, Cardi is required to remove old pavement, level-out or “grade” the gravel base of the roads, compact that gravel, place new pavement and use various equipment, including vibratory rollers, to ensure that the gravel and asphalt is installed as required by the contract.  Last week, while a portion of that work was being performed as required by the contract, a water-main was damaged, resulting in the flooding and other issues reported.   Cardi will be working with the Town to repair this damage, but Cardi is required to compact the gravel and pavement in order to perform its work, and the Town, of course, is required to maintain the roads, which is why Cardi was hired to perform this work.  Nevertheless, Cardi will make every effort to minimize the risk of further damage to water lines, and those efforts may include, if directed by the Town, use of different methods and equipment, if feasible, to perform this work.”

This is a developing story, check back for more details.