The City of Tonawanda is taking a proactive stance against one of Western New York’s most persistent seasonal nuisances: the pothole. In a move to enhance road longevity and resident safety, the city has deployed a new asphalt recycler designed to provide a more durable and efficient solution to crumbling infrastructure.
Investing in Infrastructure: The Stepp SMMT Asphalt Recycler
Utilizing $70,000 in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding from New York State, the city recently acquired the Stepp SMMT Asphalt Recycler. This innovative piece of equipment allows crews to produce high-quality hot patch on demand, marking a significant technological upgrade for the local Department of Public Works.
Cold Patch vs. Hot Patch: A Permanent Solution
For years, municipalities across the region have relied on “cold patch” during the winter and early spring. Because traditional asphalt mills close during colder months, cold patch was the only option. However, as Lake Erie Times has frequently reported, this temporary fix is often dislodged by heavy traffic and snowplows within days of application.
Mayor William Strassburg II explained that the previous method was often a losing battle, noting that vehicle tires would “basically lift the patch right out,” leaving the pothole exposed again. The new recycler changes the equation by using the following process:
- Recycling: It utilizes old road millings salvaged from previous Western New York road projects.
- Re-emulsifying: The machine heats the old material and mixes it with an asphalt rejuvenating product.
- Durability: The result is a sturdy hot patch mix that bonds more effectively to the existing pavement, even in colder temperatures.
Operational Efficiency Comparison
The transition to on-site recycling offers more than just durability; it provides a logistical advantage for city maintenance crews. Below is a breakdown of how this new equipment compares to traditional maintenance methods:
| Feature | Traditional Cold Patch | Stepp Asphalt Recycler |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | Temporary/Seasonal | Permanent/Year-Round |
| Material Source | Purchased Bagged Mix | Recycled Road Millings |
| Production Time | N/A (Pre-mixed) | 500 lbs every 15 minutes |
| Environmental Impact | Higher Waste | Sustainable/Recycled |
A Direct Impact on the Tonawanda Community
Mobility was a key factor in the city’s selection of the Stepp SMMT. The machine is trailer-mounted, allowing for swift deployment to various neighborhoods. Once the crew exhausts a 500-pound batch of hot patch, a fresh batch is ready in just a quarter-hour, ensuring that repair work remains continuous throughout the day.
As part of our commitment at Lake Erie Times to cover local government accountability, we will monitor how this investment impacts the long-term condition of our streets. Mayor Strassburg expects the machine to be a daily fixture on city roads, expressing optimism that residents will notice a substantial difference in the quality of their daily commute.
For more updates on infrastructure and community events in the Buffalo-Niagara region, stay tuned to our latest reports.
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