Connellsville repairing streets
CONNELLSVILLE – The city street department has exchanged its snow shovel for its pothole repair equipment as the area temperature creeps above the freezing level. “We started to do a little bit on Friday and we’re continuing today,” said Vernon Ohler, foreman for the city department.
On Monday, workers were repairing areas along Pittsburgh Street where the pavement had crumbled and developed into cracks, crevices and potholes.
“It’s starting a little bit earlier this year,” said Ohler.
The formations began appearing last week as the deep freeze that appeared to have settled in, eased somewhat and gave way to warmer temperatures. Most well-traveled roads, said Ohler are in need of some repair.
While the road-patching work was expected to continue throughout the day, Ohler said crews would undoubtedly return to their plowing and salt-spreading duties later in the week as the forecast is calling for more snow.
Ohler said that the city is well stocked with road supplies for the remaining winter season.
“I was hoping that Punxsutawney Phil would declare that spring was just around the corner, but that didn’t happen,” he said. “The bins are filled with salt and anti-skid materials and there is still more available to us if it’s needed.”
The city contracted with a Pittsburgh supplier for 500 tons of salt for the year that is mixed with anti-skid materials before applied to the roadways. In past years, the department has utilized approximately 300 tons of the materials on the roads, but this year, speculates Ohler, the amount will be more.
“Even if it just snows an inch, it may not be enough to plow, but you have to get out and spread salt because of the potential for ice,” said Ohler.
The street department is responsible for nearly 40 miles of roadway that includes portions of Route 119 and Crawford Avenue, which are state-owned throughways.
“And they aren’t easy roads to plow,” said Ohler. “With few exceptions, you’re up one grade and then down another.”
Ohler said workers would be making more permanent road repairs in the spring, but asked that residents contact the street department with any concerns.