Additional funding set to help TDOT with resurfacing projects, filling remaining potholes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nearly four months following a major winter storm that swept across Middle Tennessee, local auto engineers said vehicle repairs have not quite finished. This comes as Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews announced new funding aimed at helping them fill what’s left.
Brent Ferguson, the manager of Hillsboro Village Auto Service in Nashville, told News 2 that 90% of the repairs they serviced in the first couple months following the storm were due to road conditions, specifically potholes, and he’s still getting cars in due to pothole damage, even if customers don’t know it as the weather gets nice.
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“That was a daily basis of tires, rims, ball joints, control arms, sway bars. I mean you name it, if it was on a suspension, it was broken on a daily basis,” said Ferguson. “It kind of diminished to the point where customers don’t come in now and say they hit a pothole, but if you look at the suspension, it’s not a natural break. It’s something that was impact related.”
On Thursday, May 2, TDOT announced they’re dedicating an additional $15 million statewide into resurfacing projects on top of what’s already budgeted for this type of work. It’s thanks to money set aside by Gov. Bill Lee – $4.8 million of that will be used for 33 projects in Middle Tennessee.
“The challenge we face is during the winter and spring season, very early spring, the season is just too cold for patches to hold for any substantial period of time. It is always a temporary solution, so these resurfacing projects are permanent solutions,” said Rebekah Hammonds, a community relations officer for TDOT.
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As of April, TDOT officials said since Jan. 1, the department used roughly 3.4 million pounds of materials to patch potholes, which is more than 1.9 million pounds used by that same time last year. As the work to fill remaining potholes continues, officials are asking drivers for patience.
“We understand that roads are something that touches all Tennesseans; you want to know that your taxes are being used efficiently. A lot of this work can be done at night, but some it cannot. Some of it will have to be done during the day,” said Hammonds.
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