PHILADELPHIA, May 27, 2010 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Streets Commissioner Clarena I. Tolson announced that the City’s street re-paving program is underway. The Streets Department’s scheduled paving program will smooth approximately 58 miles of city streets (606 blocks) and replace or upgrade 2,160 curb cut ramps, handicap accessible curbs. A more than $15 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant awarded last year will allow the City to re-pave an additional 27 miles (203 blocks) of city streets and repair or upgrade 2,038 curb cut ramps. The City will spend a total of $21 million for re-paving and curb cut ramp installation during this paving season.
“These investments in our infrastructure will not only spur our local economy, but will improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said Mayor Nutter. “Investing in neighborhoods and maintaining safe communities is the business of government, and this effort is a great example of how government directly impacts the lives of Philadelphians.”
“The Recovery Act funding helps to assist the Street Department in its mission to maintain clean and safe streets”, said Commissioner Tolson. “This effort will help to maximize the life cycle of a roadway surface and create economic growth for the city.”
Recovery Act projects were selected based on the criteria for investment on Federal Aid roads and stringent ready-to-go standards. Streets are selected based on a pavement condition inspection. Streets are also re-inspected prior to final selection. The Streets Department’s paving season generally runs from March through November. In addition to re-paving, Streets Department crews will continue to actively repair street defects including potholes. The average repair time for a pothole is three days. Citizens are asked to help identify street defects and are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 to report street defects.
