“POTHOLE BLITZ:” DPW FILLS 1,147 POTHOLES IN 12 WEEKS

"Especially after an extremely cold
and snowy winter, heavily trafficked city streets see a tremendous amount of
wear and tear both from standard vehicle travel and from heavy public works
trucks and plows that work around the clock to keep our streets safe and clear
from snow and ice," said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. "Our crews are making great
progress addressing streets in need of repair as winter finally winds down, and
the public can help. We're surveying the streets for any potholes to repair but
residents can make sure we don't miss any by reporting them to 311."

"Our goal is always to respond to
requests for pothole patching as soon as possible and within the allotted two [business]
day timeframe noted in the 311 Work Order system," said DPW Commissioner Stan
Koty. "This year we are being even more proactive in preparing for the warmer
months with the addition of a second truck equipped for patching, which has
allowed us to cover more ground. To date, 70 percent of the potholes filled
have been proactively identified and entered as work orders by DPW crews."

The blitz has been timed to coincide with the warming weather because potholes
form more frequently in winter. Potholes are created when water seeps into
existing cracks and into underlying soil, weakening the pavement. Cold
temperatures cause the water to freeze and expand and, with added weight of
traffic on the weakened pavement, asphalt breaks, eventually leaving the hole
that can become larger if not treated appropriately.

In March 2014, the City purchased a second truck equipped for pothole
patching that can hold up to four tons of hot top per load in preparation for
spring. A second City-owned truck has the capacity for up to three tons.

 "The health, safety, and quality
of life of our residents is our top priority, and that starts by ensuring our
streets and sidewalks are safe for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians," said
Mayor Curtatone. "All of our City employees are expected to deliver accurate,
courteous and easy customer service and I am proud to say that the Highway crew
is exemplifying that mission by taking a more proactive approach to addressing
our roadway safety infrastructure. The Pothole Blitz is far from over, and to
help keep our streets in top condition we encourage constituents to continue to
report potholes as you see them by calling 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a
week."

Five
Ways to Report a Pothole in Somerville

• Call 311
  (or 617-666-3311)

• Email
  311Updates@somervillema.gov

• Post
  to 311's Facebook page www.facebook.com/311Somerville

• Tweet
  to @311Somerville

• Try the
  App Download 311's nifty mobile app via the links at http://www.somervillema.gov/departments/constituent-services
  and use the app for all your 311 requests.