It’s pothole season in Greater Cleveland, but road crews see an opportunity for fixes
The harsh winter weather has left a large area of eroded pavement at Columbus Avenue and West 25th Street in Cleveland. Fluctuating temperatures have blasted gaping holes into our streets. It is truly pothole season.
Despite belt-tightening, officials in most communities across the region say they will patch as many of the pesky cavities as possible.
“When we’re not plowing, we’re patching,” said Joe Markiewicz, Solon’s manager of streets. It’s a safety issue, he added.
“We’re into potholes big time. Looks like a good week to take care of them,” said John Valle, Akron’s deputy service director.
Crews in the Summit County city have plugged 7,000 potholes since Jan. 1.
Even in cash-strapped Euclid and Cleveland, crews are out in force.
It’s happening all over the state. Ohio Department of Transportation crews so far this season have used 5,000 tons of cold patch to fix roads.
Using cold patch — the best remedy when temperatures are low — may be an exercise in futility.
“It doesn’t last long,” Markiewicz said. “Once the snow is gone for the season, we go back and blow out the holes and refill them.”
Most communities have a trouble spot. In Cleveland Heights it is Taylor Road, where crews have visited 14 times this season to patch, said Alex Mannarino, director of public service.
