BUFFALO/NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WKBW) - Potholes can be a nightmare for drivers and thanks to the unusually hot and cold weather we've been getting, they're making an early comeback. Local public works departments are trying to get a head start on the problem. In Niagara Falls, crews have already used 30 tons of cold patch to help ease damages roads, but the director public works admits its an uphill battle especially with temperatures on a bizarre spectrum.
"We could be patching one day, and some days it'll come right back up," said City of Niagara Falls Public Works Director Dave Kinney. "The other issue is the fact that we've have rain, snow and ice. It's been a little bit of everything and that's also causing us a lot of problems."
Kinney says rented equipment used in year's past to help repair roads and eliminate potholes are now in jeopardy due to the lack of casino slot revenue.
"Every year I bring in the Pot Hole Killer and because of the lack of money, casino money we can't do that this year. I can guarantee that we can't do it this year because we don't have the money in the budget and there's no other income coming in," added Kinney. "So my guys will have to go and do it the old fashioned way."
Kinney says the equipment allowed them to tackle potholes faster. At Casullo's Automotive Services in Kenmore, crews say it's not the prime season for pothole car repair just yet. In the months ahead they urge drivers to use caution when driving over one and recommend always keeping a close eye on your vehicle.
"Potholes can be costly," said Owner Rocky Casullo. "A bent wheel, an alignment and suspension component can all range from $200-500 even $900. We recommend people to slowly drive through the pothole and reduce your speed. We don't want people to swerve, causing themselves and others harm."
