The year’s wet weather and cooler temperatures have not only caused numerous potholes to form in Starkville’s roads, but also prevented city workers from acquiring the materials needed to fix the infrastructure issues.
A return to dryer and warmer conditions next week could provide workers a window in which to alleviate the problems.
Like many other Mississippi cities, winter poses a combination of problems for infrastructure, city engineer Edward Kemp said. Not only do precipitation and temperature fluctuation cause havoc with a road’s physical structure, but cool temperatures prevent the production of hot mix asphalt, the material used to patch holes.
Next week’s forecast calls for temperatures above 45 degrees — the minimum temperature needed for companies to produce hot mix — and low chance of rain. Kemp said the city will utilize overtime pay for workers in order to catch up with the growing pothole problem.
In all, the city could move about 12-18 tons of material in the first three days of expanded operations, he said.
“We understand that (potholes) are numerous and widespread throughout the city. My gut feeling is we’ll be able to get a much better handle on the situation (next week), especially with the major roadways and heavily traveled corridors,” Kemp said. “This time of year, we’re always hit pretty hard with potholes. What makes this year unique is we haven’t had a window to catch up. It’s been compounding over the past month and a half, and it’s becoming more and more apparent of how critical the situation is.”
Since other Golden Triangle cities are experiencing the same problems, demand at the east Mississippi hot mix plant could delay or limit how much material is available.
“The city is aware of these issues and is taking every step possible to ensure they are dealt with as quickly as possible. We will do everything possible to get as much material as possible, understanding everyone in the region is also waiting on that material,” said Taylor Adams, Starkville’s CAO and finance director. “We also understand that rain throughout this week will also have an effect on the roads. There may be new issues at the start of next week, but we’re motivated to tend to these issues.
Adams thanked the public for its patience and city employees for their hard work throughout this year’s winter weather events.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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