Private pothole filling possible

For the first time in two decades, the City of Omaha may be hiring private contractors to help fill potholes.

With the extra hands and extra hours, main roadways could be smoothed out in a month, said Scott McIntyre of the City Public Works Department.

"Now that things have started drying out a little, we're going to start seeing better results," he said.

The added cost of $750,000 — for four contractors that would provide nine extra crews for about a month — is to be considered Tuesday by the Omaha City Council.

The additional crews would supplement the city's normal workforce. Residents should see pothole fillers working 10-hour days during the week, as well as on Saturdays, during that month, McIntyre said.

City crews then would start concentrating on residential areas.

Some early pothole filling was done in January and February, but much of that work crumbled under the adverse weather, said McIntyre.

The especially tough and long winter weather season caused public works crews to delay other work, too, he said. With private contractors dedicated to potholes, city crews should be able to get to those tasks earlier.

"We've got sand barrels to pick up, concrete work to do," said McIntyre. "We're going to start sweeping streets, washing off islands . . ."

McIntyre said he can't recall the last time the city hired private contractors for pothole duty. He said it has been at least 20 years.


Contact the writer:
444-1224, cindy.gonzalez@owh.com

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