JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Part of Jacksonville's River Walk is deteriorating. The fifty year old bulk head holding up the walkway behind the Berkman Apartments downtown is sinking, turning the River Walk into a river stumble.
Neighbors say the damage seemed to show up overnight. It's a popular location to watch fireworks so neighbors are worried with more traffic there could be more problems.
Loose pavers are not only a hazard for those who enjoy a nice stroll; some fear for its stability. The city wasn't aware of the problem, and actually thanked Action News for letting them know. They since sent a crew to survey the problem.
Private engineers say weeks of heavy rain is to blame. "What happens is the water trickles through the cracks in the brick through the joints it comes down into the soil," said Professional Engineer, Ed Morales Jr. "The sand that's below it then that water finds its way out into the river and it takes the material with it."
Sand holding up the fifty year old wall is spilling out into the St. Johns River, creating a void in the River Walk and causing it to deteriorate. Engineers say there's no immediate cause for concern but it's still a serious problem.
"There's no immediate collapse based on this evidence so far," said Morales. "It would take investigation to look at the extent of the damage in the wall and how to fix it."
The Jacksonville Public Works department says they will send divers into the river to assess how extensive the damage is at the bulk head, and how to fix it. If the city finds a lot of holes in the bulk head, repairs could cost thousands. They plan on fixing the loose pavers in time for fourth of July celebrations, but depending on what divers find, more work may be necessary later.
