Failing China Bridge parking garage needs major repair work

A wall of the China Bridge parking structure is exhibiting global failure according to a recent report from Park City staff. Photo: Park City Municipal

A major wall of the structure shows global failure and the city is making moves to replace it sooner rather than later

PARK CITY, Utah – Park City’s China Bridge garage on Swede Alley will need significant repairs in the coming years, according to a new report. After identifying potential structural issues, the city hired a consultant to assess the garage, which serves as the main parking area for Main Street visitors.

The report found that the southern half of the garage along Marsac Avenue, built in 1986, has failed and requires replacement. The failure is due to inadequate size of the original footing which led to “global stability failure” consultants found. “This means that the wall is rotating towards Marsac Avenue and currently is showing more than 7 inches of deflection,” according to the report.

While the structure is currently safe, the firm said it should be replaced within 10 years, Park City plans to begin repairs within the next year, with an estimated cost of $1.8 million. City staff is recommending that 25% of the cost come out of the parking fee budget and the remaining balance come from a combination of the Municipal Building Authority and the Main Street RDA fund balances. The repairs could extend the life of the southern portion for another decade.

The northern section, added in 2006, is in better condition, according to the report. De-icing salts have likely contributed to the deterioration of the older section’s concrete.

The nitty gritty: In mid-March of 2024, a crack gauge was installed where the wall deflection was greatest to measure the change over time. A reading was taken at the gauge in mid-June, measuring 2 mm deflection over those three months. Another measurement was taken at the end of July, where another 2 mm of deflection occurred over the shorter period. Though the measurements are relatively small, this is concerning because they indicate potential deflection acceleration of the wall, hence Park City’s rapid move to fix it.

Why it matters: Park City is also considering the future of China Bridge as part of broader discussions on Main Street redevelopment, with ideas ranging from adding commercial space to repurposing the site for housing.