By Ashley Macki | SDUN Editor

The Aldine Slope Restoration Project, which will put a retaining wall along the south side of Aldine Drive between Fairmount and Van Dyke Avenues in Kensington, is expected to be completed the week of Jan. 9.

An unexpected amount of rain in 2004 and 2005 caused erosion on the slope, posing a danger to drivers and bicyclists. Federal grants supplied the $2.27 million needed to complete the project.

“The completion of the Aldine Drive slope restoration project will help ensure the long-term safety of this connection road between Talmadge and Kensington, and protect surrounding homes from additional erosion,” said Councilmember Todd Gloria.

The expected benefits of this project include stabilization of the hillside and protection of the road.

The affected portion of Aldine Drive had been closed to traffic, bicycles and pedestrians since May 2011. After the reopen, traffic can resume along the street, including Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 11, which typically serves the area. During construction, MTS created Route 811, a detour route, which will discontinue after construction is completed.

Concerning possible graffiti on the new wall, Project Manager Jamal Batta said, “The face of the concrete wall is covered with colored cobbles which doesn’t lend itself for graffiti users. The top of the wall is smooth and is designed to have some vine coverage, which should also discourage tagging.”