Nature is winning against the City’s attempt to maintain open Mountain Accesses on a low budget.
A consultant’s report being presented to City Council’s Public Works Committee which recommends $10-million in new capital spending over the next few years, and to increase the rock scaling maintenance operations budget to $1-million from the present $450,000 annual budget.
The report states the metal retaining wall on the Claremont Access needs to be removed, and the escarpment face made safe for traffic below.
The consultants state more study will be needed upon the removal of the metal retaining wall to determine how to make the escarpment face safe.
Consultants warn that acquiring properties at the top of the escarpment may be necessary to create terraces.