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As warmer weather arrives in Syracuse, the Department of Public Works (DPW) crews are busy patching potholes across the city. These efforts are crucial to prevent damage to vehicles, which can lead to costly repairs. Currently, the repairs are temporary since asphalt plants remain closed, preventing permanent fixes until they reopen next month.
Ann Fordock, the first deputy commissioner of DPW, explained that crews are using a cold patch method for now, which takes less than a minute to apply. "We fix all winter when we can. But you can only do cold patch right now, because the asphalt plants aren’t open," Fordock said. Once the plants open, crews will be able to perform hot patching, providing a more permanent solution.
Two DPW crews are deployed daily to address potholes in residential neighborhoods and city roads. The city encourages residents to report potholes using the SYRCityline app or by calling 315-448-CITY (2489). The app allows users to geotag the location of the pothole, making it easier for crews to find and fix them. The app provides a convenient way for residents to submit service requests and track their progress.
Fordock emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the mild weather to get a head start on repairs. "We appreciate the warm weather, and we’re going to get caught up on these potholes as fast as we can," she said. Residents are urged to report any potholes they encounter to help prevent major vehicle damage.