I thought I would start a new thread devoid of snow woe that focused more on the aftermath. Specifically, potholes, but also any other residual (residentual?) issues that are appearing as the white stuff vanishes (though not quickly enough for our baseball and softball players).
I have seen lots of potholes on Washington and even worse ones on Centre St down the hill into Newton Corner- I have also noticed that some huge holes on Jefferson St have been filled, so obviously the repairs have started. How are things in your village?
I have some technical questions for any civil engineers (or knowledgeable bloggers) out there: Do potholes appear as the result of an increase in frequency and severity of rain or snow events? Would we be correct to assume that there are so many potholes now because there was so much snow this winter? Have we had fewer potholes in winters with less rain and snow? Are we filling the potholes with lower quality, shorter-lived, materials than in the past? Did other nearby towns suffer the same damage we did? I know some very deep potholes in Upper Falls on Chestnut have been filled. I have gotten so used to a very bumpy ride throughout the City that I can’t visualize where the potholes remain. I’ll try to observe more closely!
Funny that you should bring up residual. Because what jumped out at me today was the number of Newton Tabs strewn along the roadsides, uncovered by the receding snow. Today’s wind certainly didn’t help. Tabs in the snow banks may have to suffice as a sign of spring. May be a while for the flowers.
Freeze-thaw cycles contribute to potholes, as do those holes National Grid has to drill in the pavement to locate the source of their gas leaks, which allow more water to get under the pavement and freezes and thaw. It would help if National Grid would fix all the leaks on a street due for repaving, instead of just the leaks they want to fix.
Just saw a large and deep square pothole on Newtonville Avenue where it intersects with Harvard Street. This is apparently of contractors working on a new house that replaces one that was destroyed in a fire about a year ago. I’ll call 311 in the morning
I have reported 5 potholes earlier this week and they are all filled! I wonder how long the patches will hold, since the ground is still freezing and unfreezing, but I am impressed with the speed of how fast the holes were patched.
The area in Upper Falls on Chestnut Street is one large section of pothole, and I haven’t gotten a chance to report it.
But if you report it, they will fill it!
I’ve added a video that should answer Sallee’s question.
The rocks and debris on the shoulders are also really bad. Can’t wait till the street sweepers clear them.
I’ve seen some huge ones in the last few says.
I saw one so deep that a DPW dump truck disappeared clear out of sight into it. I saw one so big that the,sun was setting on the far edge of it. No really …
@Newton mom – yes, Chestnut St in Upper Falls is a real mess. I think there were lots of patches for last year’s potholes that opened up again plus plenty of new ones too. It looks like that stretch will need to be repaved this year.
The City received notice that State Funds will be available. YAY!
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Winter Recovery Assistance Program
$30 Million Program Offers Reimbursements for Pothole Repair, Paving Projects
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the Winter Recovery Assistance Program, a $30 million targeted effort to assist cities and towns with repairs to roads and bridges under municipal jurisdiction.
“Since day one, we promised to partner with our cities and towns to provide them with the support needed to keep local infrastructure in reliable shape,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “After an unprecedented winter of heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures, this additional support will allow municipalities to patch up potholes and address local repairs as needed.”
“This winter’s record-setting snowfall has left our cities and towns with a major maintenance deficit that needs to be addressed immediately,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This program provides municipalities with additional resources to accelerate those repairs and make our roadways safer for everyone.”
“While we strive to invest in the maintenance of the state’s highway infrastructure, it’s important to remember how vital a role our municipal roads and bridges play in the state’s economy and to our overall transportation network,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack.
The $30 million has been allocated from the existing fiscal 2015 bond authorization for the Department of Transportation. While the WRAP is a distinct effort separate from the Chapter 90 program, to ensure equity, the funds will be distributed to cities and towns based on the Chapter 90 formula.
The Chapter 90 formula determines the apportionment of funding for municipal roads and bridges based on a weighted average of a city or town’s population, employment, and total mileage of roads. The WARP apportionment list details how the $30 million are apportioned to each city or town using the formula.
Under the WRAP, cities and towns can seek reimbursement from MassDOT on expenditures related to patching potholes, pavement cracking, surface defects, paving projects; repair or replacement of damaged signs, guardrail, storm drains, and line striping.
“This program is a signal to cities and towns that we recognize the importance of these roads and bridges, and the urgency with which they need to be repaired,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin.
In order to accelerate local repairs, the WRAP requires all work on municipal infrastructure to be completed by June 30, 2015, and for all work invoices to be provided to MassDOT by July 31, 2015. MassDOT will reimburse cities and towns as invoices are received.
Click here to view WRAP apportionment list
Too soon? Randy Newman, “God bless the potholes on memory lane … ” http://youtu.be/lUuf0ryIwTo
That’s almost $350K. Every little bit helps.
Marti – 😉
Thanks, Greg!
Now I know where to lay the blame. It’s the asphalt!