City provides temporary fix for potholes in cold weather
Potholes around campus have been causing complaints from students and some damage to vehicles. To report potholes, call the city at (937) 333-4800. IAN MORAN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
By: Jim Vogel – Staff Writer
Multiple forces, including the University of Dayton Grounds Crew and the City of Dayton, are working to elevate the severe potholes on several of the streets in the student neighborhood, specifically Kiefaber Street.
Senior biochemistry major Ryan Spear said he damaged his car while driving the speed limit on Kiefaber several weeks ago.
“I was aware of potholes from driving on Kiefaber, but I must have missed it. I bent a rim and got a flat tire,” Spear said. The total damages cost more than $300, he said.
After noticing a loud sound of air leaking from the tire, Spear pulled into the C-lot at the end of Kiefaber and Parking Services attempted to re-inflate the tire, but the tire was damaged extensively. Parking Services gave Spear a day pass until he was able to make arrangements, he said.
“They [Parking Services] definitely did everything they could to help me,” Spear said.
Director of Grounds at UD Brian Coulter said the City of Dayton is responsible for the maintenance of all the streets in the student neighborhood.
“My crews have been out filling some of the potholes with gravel to alleviate the problem until more extensive repairs can be made when the weather warms up. We have been actively speaking with the City of Dayton and I have been advocating particularly for their attention to Kiefaber,” Coulter said.
UD’s government liaison, Ted Bucaro, also said he has spoken with the City of Dayton and plans have been finalized to repave Kiefaber in the early summer.
“Bids for the job will be collected beginning in April and construction is set to take place between June and July,” Bucaro said.
The city will also be cold-patching the potholes during the winter months, a process that is less effective than other methods of filling the pot holes, but is possible during the cold temperatures, Bucaro said.
The city communicated that they have been out during some of the warmer days in the last week working on pot hole repairs including those on Kiefaber, Coulter said.
In response to the damage that occurred to his car, Spear was quick to say that he took the unfortunate event in stride and has no hard feelings toward UD or the city of Dayton.
“It is unfortunate that it happened but the reality is that roadways are in rough condition all across America,” Spear said. “It is not just Kiefaber. Many of the streets in Dayton are in similar conditions. Dayton Tire Service repaired my vehicle and one of the workers told me that he gets at least one flat tire a day in the winter months.”