Today, July 30^th, through exploratory excavation, interior pipe video and personnel entrance of a 56” Storm Culvert; the Borough along with the Borough Engineer have determined out of concern to Public Safety, Mather Road will need to be closed to through traffic until repairs can be completed to the underground culvert. This is an emergency situation and immediate action has been taken to mitigate risk and potential dangers. The roadway will be barricaded and closed between 264 and 270 Mather Road. All Mather Road residents will continue to have access to their driveways but there will be no through traffic on Mather Road at this point until further notice (Repairs are completed). 
Background – There is a 56” storm water culvert (a culvert functions as a conveyance system, materials of culverts vary but it appears ours is hand laid brick, arched in shape and in the hundred-year old range.) It begins at Walnut Street and continues down Mather Road toward the Mather Spur area carrying storm water downstream eventually to the low area behind Wyncote House and Septa property.

Scope – The culvert is approximately twelve feet deep and runs down the center of Mather Road. It now appears there has been a total breach of this culvert approximately 10 linear feet in length. This area will need to be repaired. Actual assessment will be made once completely excavated. This area appears to be approximately ten feet upstream from where recent sinkhole work was performed.

Beginning today, July 30^th, the affected area will be barricaded and made safe. Engineering discussions and planning for what may be encountered are currently taking place. The roadway was marked off with measurements today’s exploratory investigations provided. Project management preparation work taking place and the Borough has secured an emergency Contractor as well as scheduled manpower through the Public Works Department.

•   Wednesday, August 1^st, exploratory excavation is scheduled to be performed to assess damage and determine means and methods of required repairs.
•  There are several challenging situations on this project, some can be controlled like depth requiring shoring, utility conflicts and overall safety. The major challenge that the Borough is anticipating is inclement weather. Currently, the forecast is calling for a high probability of rain each day this week with Wednesday being the highest. Any positive energies for no rain and the safety of the workers will be appreciated.

The area will be monitored for safety by Borough personnel and additional information will be provided if there are any changes. Following the exploratory excavation scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 1^st, an informational update will be issued.

The Borough would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the residents who have been cooperative, understanding and supportive while repairs are being made. The kindness and understanding shown through the actions of residents cannot be understated.

Please make plans to avoid this area for safety and your convenience.

If you have any further questions or need assistance please call Borough hall at (215) 885- 0700.