Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said the City will again be using private contractors and staff from other City divisions and departments for pothole repair starting Tuesday. The City added contracted crews and diverted City staff from January 27 through February 3 to increase the City’s response to the pothole emergency. During the first five weeks of 2010, crews have filled close to 24,000 potholes throughout the City.

“Our increased efforts had a big impact – by the middle of last week, crews had pretty much caught up on the backlog of pothole calls,” Mayor Beutler said. “But the rain, snow and cold conditions since then have cause two problems – the fill in some of the potholes, especially those along the curbs, has come loose. New potholes also have formed. It’s time to redouble our efforts again.”

To respond to last night’s light snow and cold temperatures, Public Works and Utilities began material spreading operations at 3 a.m. with 19 one-person crews. As those workers finish, they are joining 10 other City crews now working on potholes. Pothole repair crews generally include two or three workers. In addition to the private contractors, Public Works will again use staff from the Water and Wastewater Division, the Traffic Division and the Parks and Recreation Department starting Tuesday.

The Mayor again urged the public to drive carefully when they are in the area of a street repair crew. Public Works officials remind residents that all repairs being made now are temporary because crews are using a “cold mix.” to fill the potholes. The “hot mix” used for permanent repairs is not available at this time of the year.