Potholes turn streets into money traps for motorists
City expects to spend at least $1.5M on repairs
By Matthew Powers May 8, 2008 |
Business always picks up at Super Tune and Brake on Pembina Highway when the warm weather arrives.
The reason?
One word – potholes.
“Drivers come in with numerous different types of damage. It could be their suspension, the struts, or damage done to the tires and rims,” said Nick Kindrachuk, a front end inspector at Super Tune and Brake.
“It all depends on how you hit the potholes and how big they are.”
Driving along Pembina on his way to work, Kindrachuk dodges potholes all over the road. The city is well aware of the annual problem.
“This is the time of the year when that freeze/thaw cycle begins to happen,” said Ken Allen, spokesman for the public works department.
“The water that we have sitting near the curb starts to seep under the pavement and creates cracks and potholes on our city streets.”
As of March 11, the city has been monitoring road conditions and has begun making repairs.
Allen says crews first focus on major routes such as Pembina Highway and Stafford Street.
“We are focused on the main routes because 80% of traffic is there, but also because the side streets, residential streets, bus routes and collectors still have some ice and snow build-up on the roadway,” Allen said.
In the South End of the city, two pothole patching machines are at work, as well as one cold-mix, hand-asphalt crew. That number may be increased further into the spring, Allen said.
“It is yet to be determined how many potholes will need to be repaired because it really depends on how the melt goes,” he said. “The city crews have said the problem is very much comparable to last year.”
Last year, the City spent $1.5 million on pothole repairs. Allen said he expects the bill for pothole repairs this year to be in the same range.
“Keeping the roads driveable is certainly a priority,” Allen said. “We are making a considerable effort to repair those potholes and getting them fixed as quickly as we can.”
He said the city appreciates hearing from the public about any major pothole problems.
Call 986-HOLE, or visit the public works website at Winnipeg.ca and use the “Report-A-Problem” feature.
