Sheridan’s a bumpy ride: Council talks potholes

Sheridan City Councilmembers Andy Patceg and Steve Brantz made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program to reassure the public that potholes are not only on their radar, word has begun to repair roadways.

Crews began repairing the potholes that can be repaired back in March. Councilman Patceg informed listeners that there are many factors that play into proper repair of potholes and in order to save taxpayer money, waiting for the proper conditions is a must.

But this winter season has been especially brutal on Sheridan’s streets, according to Streets Superintendent Mike Kuzara. 

In an interview back in March, Kuzara told Sheridan Media that the amount of snow relocated by the street crews is approximately three times the yearly average. The amount of snow moved over the last three years averages to approximately 50,000 cubic yards. The street crews have moved 145,000 cubic yards of snow this year. Now, that snow is melting and creating barriers to properly repair the streets, according to Brantz.

This amount of snow presents a challenge to street crews as the melt off constantly runs into the potholes that have formed closer to the edges of the roadways, where snow has accumulated.

Although there are techniques used by Kuzara’s team to dry some potholes, a pothole with a constant flow of water prevents any work from being accomplished. 

According to the councilmen, the City will also contract with a private company this year to expedite the repair process.