Sandra Bagnuk has lived in her Twin Lakes home on SW 327th Street since 1968. She takes her dogs for daily walks, and recently, she noticed new cracks forming on the sidewalks, curbs and streets.

On the brink of a summer heat wave Aug. 15, Bagnuk pointed out what she said were widening hairline cracks that started at the curb and surrounded a manhole cover on 35th Avenue SW.

“I’m totally obsessed with it now,” she said. “I walk this road 365 days a year. I know my neighborhood.”

Causes of cracks in streets and sidewalks include wear and tear, stress from traffic loads, temperature fluctuations and moisture penetration.

Broken sidewalks or uplifted sidewalks that pose a trip hazard are repaired by the city’s street maintenance crew. To report a concern, visit www.cityoffederalway.com/requesttracker.aspx. Also call (253) 835-2700.

LEARN MORE

Check out a study from Oregon State University on the types of pavement distress, covering the gamut from hairline cracks to buckled concrete.