The lower level of the Herbert H. Goecke Jr. Memorial Parking Deck abruptly closed Friday after sprinkler pipe joints separated. (WHAV News photograph.)
The east side of the lower level of the Merrimack Street parking garage, downtown, is open today after abruptly closing Friday because of damaged sprinkler pipes.
Public Works Director Michael K. Stankovich told WHAV Sunday said repairs to the Herbert H. Goecke Jr. Memorial Parking Deck were completed over the weekend.
Officials theorized liquid in the sprinkler pipes froze, causing certain couplings to separate. Additional repairs are underway aimed at opening the entire lower floor. The upper section, which recently underwent $226,000 worth of concrete and joint repairs, was not affected.
The parking garage opened in 1986 with a dedication ceremony attended by then-Gov. Michael S. Dukakis. During the fall of 2015, City Councilor William J. Macek won approval from his colleagues to study whether it is time to replace the structure and invite redevelopment proposals.