The city of Buffalo is already trying to get ahead of what could become one of the worst pothole season. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says Public Works crews began filling potholes.
City crews began filling potholes along the heavily traveled Delaware Avenue 'S' curves Tuesday. http://youtu.be/Ea5P1WWaAKE
"This is a very one because there are a lot of blind spots there where people can't see those, so we'll make sure those get addressed," said Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak.
Stepniak said crews were working overtime fill the holes.
"This is the first meltdown we've had in how many days? Probably the first few days we've had over 40 (degree) in over a month and a half," said Stepniak. "That's why we put crews on overtime to catch up with this."
Stepniak said they have received less than 200-calls into the city's 3-1-1-center for pothole complaints.
"We're working the main thorough fares and responding to 3-1-1's as well. So as all municipalities and I've talked to everybody, they know this is going to be a big pothole season and we're going to be on top of it," said Stepniak.
Reporters questioned Stepniak about some a well known pothole spot along Main Street in Buffalo near Bailey in front of the University at Buffalo South Campus, where drivers have to literally dodge pothole after pothole. Stepniak expects crews to assess that situation.
"Well we've been there already once. What we are going to do with that that's also in our overlay program, that's one of the areas we are going to overlay as well," stated Stepniak.
Stepniak noted his budget is stressed from this long winter season.
"We've moved money around in our budget," said Stepniak. "But they are stretched because of the season."
Cold patch is the best short-term solution to keep up with the potholes. Crews could go through about 20-tons of cold patch a day.