INDIANAPOLIS–Strip patching Indianapolis’ city streets will start next week, as part of the mayor’s $400 million roads plan. Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dept. of Public Works Director Dan Parker announced the plans to open the city’s asphalt plants and start the patching Tuesday.
The news conference was inside a shop full of equipment purchased for the road improvement, planned for the next four years.
“The freeze and thaw cycle is back and some of our streets are seeing rapid deterioration,” said Hogsett. “One thing is different this year. This year we have a new plan of action. That plan includes resurfacing 167 miles of roadway this year.”
The plan also includes the immediate strip patching of potholes, as a companion to the resurfacing.
Hogsett said residential streets, and major thoroughfares will get the treatment, both in the short-term and long-term. First is the $126 million plan for this year, which depends on asphalt plants opening and the weather cooperating.
“With asphalt plants slated to open next week, providing the necessary materials that we need, we will be able to fix these roads immediately,” said Hogsett.
Some of the worst segments that will get the strip patching priority include 16th St. at Post Rd.; Westfield Blvd., from Meridian St. to College Ave.; and 10th St. on the west side, at Holt Rd., said Parker.
Audio titled POTHOLE PRESS CONFERENCE FEB 2019 by 93WIBC
“The city’s older streets are bearing the brunt of what winter’s freeze-thaw cycle can do,” he said. “When you go from negative 11 to 60, and as of Friday we’re gonna be back down to n17. Add in moisture and you’ve got that ‘P’ word I don’t like to mention.”
Parker said getting the materials from the asphalt plant is vital to starting the project next week, as scheduled.
PHOTO: WISH TV
