A Plan for Potholes?
While the primary focus of yesterday’s Tacoma City Council Study Session was an update on the Mixed Use Centers Project, it was the pothole plan that got our attention.
Public Works Director Dick McKinley laid out a three step plan for addressing the pothole problems on our arterial streets (as opposed to the $5 million residential street program):
1. City staff will address individual potholes ($221k)
2. City staff will fix streets where the wheel path is rutted ($273k)
3. The city will contract to fix those areas that need whole road or full lane replacement ($3.7 million)
So … where does the money come from? Let’s just say that there’s been some priority changes. The sale/swap of the County City Building resulted in an available $500k. The City found $700k from its right of way beautification budget, $1 million from the Municipal Building’s deferred maintenance budget, and $2 million from the acquisition budget related to Park Plaza North parking garage.
It was noted that the money found will leave a $500k gap to complete the project. Councilmember Ladenburg wondered whether the City Council contingency could fill this gap.
Work should begin shortly on the city staff related work. Contractors could be good to go by summer.
More information on The News Tribune
Filed under: General
6 comments
N nosaturn March 11, 2009
I hope they don’t do the same stupid stupid resurfacing thing they did in Brown’s Point / NE Tacoma last year. The road is far rougher, noisier and there’s not even as much traction in the ice (which we can’t seem to get rid of anymore).
J J. Cote March 12, 2009
Isn’t it magical?? That they could “come up with” the money to do what they should have been doing all along. Thank God for term limits. I feel sorry for any member of this Council that runs for re-election. Wait. No I don’t!
M Mike M March 12, 2009
Well Bravo! The City “found” some money…
Now, if City Manager Anderson will fix the section of Pine Street between S. Tacoma Way and S.35th street, that would be F****** MIRACLE! It’s only been that way for a year.
We, the taxpayers got screwed by Pierce County on the share of the money for their building.
Connie wonders where the other 500K will come from? Well, lets take it from the money for trails that she is so enamored with.
It’s about time this City FIXES THE INFRASTRUCTURE! If Sharon McGavick was still on the council we would hear “This isn’t enough bang for the buck” fixing the streets.
BTW Connie, what about the money for Mr Anderson’s raise? We can use that towards the streets too.
S Squid March 12, 2009
I found the money. Forget about fixing the potholes in front of my house – turns out I like ‘em. Used to complain, but then I realized people only lost an axle once before they slowed down. Poor man’s speed bumps.
Money saved on fixing the holes on my street can be used elsewhere. I’m sure others feel the same.
While we’re on about street fixes that didn’t work, how about the resurfacing of North I, which became a gloppy mess above 80 degrees.
J jamie from thriceallamerican March 12, 2009
I’m with Squid. Stay away from my free speedbumps, city.
T Thorax O'Tool March 13, 2009
“While we’re on about street fixes that didn’t work, how about the resurfacing of North I, which became a gloppy mess above 80 degrees.“
That’s what happens when you use the improper asphalt to do the job. They should have used something like PG 64-22, which is thick and heavy (thus more $$$ per volume) than thinner stuff like PG 58-22. While I don’t know for certain what grade they used, it’s obviously the wrong one if it becomes tacky in mere 80 degree weather.