Kalamazoo, March 11, 2008 – The City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services has been addressing an unusually high number of pothole and road condition problems in 2008. Higher than normal snowfall, colder temperatures, and intense rains in February have created freeze-thaw conditions that seriously deteriorated many of the City streets. The condition of city streets will probably deteriorate further in the next several weeks as warmer temperatures and rainfall contribute to the existing problem.

City of Kalamazoo Public Services crews have been working diligently to address major street problems. This has included 13 crews working approximately 400 overtime hours placing almost 390 tons of cold patch material in pot holes this winter. Crews will continue to aggressively address the pothole problems in the coming weeks. Citizens are urged to call the Public Services Department at 337-8731 to report potholes. City crews will respond as quickly as possible to fix these potholes normally within 24 to 48 hours.

The public is also advised that many of the streets with major pothole problems have already been scheduled for reconstruction in the City’s 2008 General Fund Capital budget ( see attached listing.) The City will oversee reconstruction of a many streets including South Street, Vine Street, Mt. Olivet and Crosstown Parkway in 2008. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will also be reconstructing Stadium Drive during 2008. City crews will also be addressing other specific street problems under its annual “Scattered Sites” paving program.

The cooperation and understanding of the public is greatly appreciated during this unusual pothole season. As a reminder, please call the City’s Public Services Department at 337-8731 to report pothole concerns.