2/11/2008
Media Contact:
Marcus J. Barlow
Email: mbarlow@indygov.org
Direct: 317-327-3713
Cell: 317-496-5515
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Ballard Makes Site Visit to DPW Pothole Crew
INDIANAPOLIS (February 11, 2008)- Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard visited a Department of Public Works (DPW) crew today as they repaired potholes on the city’s west side.
Twenty-two DPW crews worked 12-hour shifts this past Saturday to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and fill as many potholes as possible citywide. The crews put down more than 140 tons of material to “cold patch” damaged road surfaces.
“This is about more than cracked asphalt,” Ballard said. “It’s a public safety issue that requires our attention, and that’s what we’re giving it.”
The patching taking place now is a necessary fix, but a temporary one that will have to be made permanent in the spring. In addition to planning now for the next round of patching, DPW is devoting increased resources to resurfacing – a longer-term solution that significantly reduces the number of potholes each year. This year, $17 million will go to resurfacing projects as opposed to the $10 million that was spent last year.
Ballard thanked DPW employees, many of whom will take on another 12-hour shift this evening to prepare city streets in anticipation of an overnight snowfall. He also encouraged residents to report potholes and other infrastructure issues by calling the Mayor’s Action Center at 327-4MAC (317-4622).
As calls are received, DPW prioritizes the severity of the damage and responds accordingly. Rapid response crews respond within 24-48 hours to severe potholes that can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles. Potholes that are smaller but on a major thoroughfare are filled within 3-4 days, and those deemed not likely to cause an accident are generally repaired within 2 weeks.
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