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Published Monday, July 06, 2009 in Local

Newnan 'patrol' fixes more than 300 potholes

By Elizabeth Richardson

The Times-Herald

Newnan is continuing with city-wide street and sidewalk improvements to make the City of Homes more attractive and more cohesive for motorists and pedestrians.

Newnan's "pothole patrol" initiative continues with much success.

From early May to early June, Public Works Director Michael Klahr reported the city had filled more than 208 potholes on 114 streets. Through June 25, the city patched an additional 112 potholes on 36 streets.

"Several people have called and we've taken care of them all within 72 hours," said Klahr. He joked that one caller asked the city to fix Washington, while another -- a caller from New York -- asked if they would patch a pothole in New Jersey.

"This has been a real positive thing for us," said Klahr. He said he was glad the citizens could see quick results coming from a governmental entity.

Klahr said the city is going to proceed with its planned annual Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) paving, despite the fact that the state canceled LARP funding this year.

"We're going to try to work something out with county assistance and pay for it ourselves," said Klahr. "We would use county labor and equipment and pay for the asphalt."

The city hasn't compiled the list of roadways that need repairs yet. The repairs would consist of a thin overlay on streets that have surface wear and minor cracks.

A more extensive full-depth reclamation, like the recent East Broad Street project, must occur when the road has failed throughout.

"It's basically starting over," Klahr explained. "We rebuild the road quickly in place and reuse existing materials -- it saves on hauling and fuel."

The city recently approved a full-depth on portions of five city streets. Klahr said that work on Elm Street should be complete within five weeks, barring any unforeseen obstacles. The remainder of the streets should be complete within two months.

"We are bringing everything up to current standards of accessibility according to the Americans with Disabilities Act," said Klahr.

Motorists may have noticed a portion of Spence Avenue that was closed for two days last week while Newnan Utilities upgraded a water line. After AT&T moves its utility poles, the Georgia Department of Transportation will come in to begin construction on the new turn lanes planned there. Klahr estimated that major construction is still two to three weeks out, and detour signs will be posted.

"We're getting good prices, or good quotes, on our projects -- like our full-depth reclamation," said Klahr. "We didn't get a lot of bids, but we got excellent prices. We're getting a good bargain because of the economy. Construction costs are down.

"We're able to jump on these things because our money is going further right now."

Newnan citizens can call 770-253-1823 to report a pothole problem, or e-mail a complaint to mklahr@cityofnewnan.org .

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