Faulty workmanship blamed for cracked sidewalks at BFHS

Faulty workmanship is believed to be the reason the sidewalks cracked and buckled at the 4-year-old Bonners Ferry High School.

Boundary County School Board agreed to submit claims to the general contractor’s and landscaper’s insurance companies.

It’s likely the entire sidewalk at the $9.6 million high school will need to be replaced at a cost of $80,000 to $100,000.

School officials initially noticed problems with the sidewalk the first winter after Walker Construction of Spokane, Wash., completed the building in December 2004. Heaving of the sidewalk followed the second winter. Nelson Landscaping also was involved with the sidewalk project.

The recent winter resulted in additional damage to the sidewalk around the entire building. In some places, it’s worse, and in some places, in addition to heaving 1 to 3 inches, it’s cracked.

This winter’s near-record snowfall compounded the problem by water getting underneath the concrete, turning into ice and forcing the sidewalk to heave.

In addition, the ground underneath is clay, which makes it difficult for water to drain.

Consultant Mike Woodward said after portions of the sidewalks were torn up, faulty workmanship was determined.

Superintendent Dr. Don Bartling spoke with the high school’s architect and district’s lawyer. Both agreed it would be best to submit a claim to the contractors.

“Their insurance companies will decide if there’s a liability,” Bartling said. “We’re saying very clearly they made a mistake with the sidewalk and we want it corrected. I think the insurance company may agree they have a liability.

Woodward told the board that going to the insurance companies is a good option.

“They like to clear their name, but how much will they spend,” Woodward said.