Chestnut Hill Historical Society meets with PennDot over ‘cobblestone’ repair project

The Chestnut Hill Historical Society is watching over PennDot’s “cobblestone” repair project on Germantown Avenue.

Even most people call them cobblestones, the Historical Society correctly points out that the embedded stones on the avenue are actually Belgian Blocks.

In a statement issued today, Jennifer Hawk, the executive director of the CHS, says she and others recently met with PennDot officials to ensure that street crews are taking every measure possible to ensure the Belgian blocks are being preserved.

In the statement, Hawk explains what she learned from the recent meeting.

“The substance being used to grout the Blocks, Rugasol, is a softer and more flexible material than has been used elsewhere in the City. The mix is especially important as a substance harder than the Blocks can cause the Blocks to deteriorate. The mason in attendance confirmed this is a material he would use,” Hawk said.

PennDot is currently re-grouting the blocks that line both sides of the former trolley tracks on Germantown Avenue from Cresheim Valley Drive to Bethlehem Pike.

She also says that the road work is expected to be finished by the end of this week. “We’re told that work is expected to be completed on Friday, July 6th, Hawk states.