Staff Photo by Angela Lewis/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Jeremy McGraw, Donna Rogers and Linda Twilley, from left, shovel dirt from the arch at the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday afternoon. All of the dirt will be removed from both arches so that they can be inspected and any necessary repairs can be made.After nearly 20 years of exposure to the Chattanooga elements, the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza arches are being tested to see if they need repair.
Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Administrator Larry Zehnder said water leaks have been seen under the arches at the plaza, which is maintained by the city. Soil and plants have been removed from a section of the arch that faces Broad Street.
“After 20 years, you’re going to see some wear and tear,” Zehnder said. “We’re removing the plants to see what is underneath.”
Experts will examine the barrier wall between the soil and the arch structures to see if the plaster has deteriorated. And a structural engineer will look at the arch structures to see how they are holding up and how to maintain them.
Tennessee Aquarium spokesman Thom Benson said the work won’t conflict with any activities at the aquarium.