© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pothole problems plaguing area motorists

Mike Desmond/WBFO

Potholes are as common to Western New York winters as gray skies and school closings. But commuters, street crews and auto repair technicians have reached a consensus that this year's pothole problem is one of the largest in recent memory. 

"We're seeing areas that develop potholes that normally don't," said Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Steven Stepniak. His full-time crews are out every day putting down cold patch, though he says complete repairs won't be conducted until asphalt plants open later in the year.

Stepniak maintains the weather is the main cause of this year's problem.

"Environmentally, that the temperature changes have been drastic. They've been pretty drastic, single digits to 40-degrees. But, there's been a lot of moisture, a lot of water that can penetrate those areas."

When those damp areas freeze, road surfaces crumble. Potholes emerge.

Though he's reluctant to address which roads have the worst pothole issues, Stepniak says the city is planning to spend $7 million on repairs to residential street with another $6 million allocated for main roads.

Until complete repairs are conducted, motorists will need to drive cautiously.

"Some people can be careless and hit the pothole very hard and it can cause serious damage, even throw your alignment out," said Corey Massaro at Mavis Discount Tire on Sheridan Drive.

His shop is fixing as many as ten tires a day, most of which have fallen victim to potholes.
 

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.