Date:

February 22, 2007

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Wayne Teten, Public Works, 441-7566

Mayor Coleen J. Seng and the City Public Works and Utilities Department said “pothole season” is under way and are encouraging citizens to report potholes that need to be repaired. Potholes are created when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes and expands.

“We are having a wet and cold winter so far, and that means there are more potholes to repair,” said Mayor Seng. “City street crews have been working diligently to repair potholes between the snowstorms. We all want to keep our streets in good condition, so we appreciate the help of the public in letting us know where repairs are needed.”

Citizens can report potholes and other street problems in three ways:

• Call the Pothole Hotline at 441-7646.
• Use the online, interactive “ACTION” (Acting with Citizens to Improve our Neighborhoods) system available on the City Web site. The system is available at lincoln.ne.gov (click on “City Service Requests” on the home page or use the keyword ACTION). This form also may be used to report stormwater, snow and ice problems.
• For emergency street problems that need immediate attention, call 441-7701.

Once a pothole is reported, the goal is to have it repaired by the end of the following workday.

The City repairs potholes year round, but this is the busiest time of the year for pothole repair. Since January 1, street crews have repaired about 3,000 potholes, including more than 800 since Tuesday morning. Typically, Public Works repairs between 12,000 and 15,000 potholes every year, using between 600 and 700 tons of patching material.

Motorists are asked to be aware that re-freezing at night can create icy street conditions. Drivers also are encouraged to be especially careful as they drive around crews making street repairs.