Public Works Gears Up for Winter Season with ‘Pothole Blitz’

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 17, 2011 

Press Contact: 415-554-6926

Public Works Gears Up for Winter Season with ‘Pothole Blitz’ 

Public encouraged to be alert as workers repair the roadway

San Francisco, CA—San Francisco Department of Public Works (DPW) is gearing up for the winter season by conducting a ‘Pothole Blitz.’ DPW crews are undergoing a big push to canvass streets citywide to identify and fill potholes along major routes with high volume of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic until the end of the week. This initiative complements the pothole service requests that come into DPW through 3-1-1 from the public. The pothole blitz is part of DPW’s campaign to ensure smooth, accessible, and safe paths of travel in addition to raising awareness on safe conditions for both the traveling public and city workers.

“As we brace for the wet and cold winter season, we are preparing our roads and crosswalks all over the City to make sure they are safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists,” said Mayor Lee. “When the public calls 311 to report potholes, they are helping us to efficiently use our resources, identify problems and keep our streets safe for everyone. A well maintained road is the best defense against potholes and we are paving streets in every district to prevent potholes from appearing in the first place.”

As the winter season approaches, DPW is filling potholes in preparation for the rain. Potholes tend to form more often during the winter months when water from the rain leaks into cracks. DPW is performing the pothole blitz along the following major traffic routes this week: 19th Ave.- Lincoln to Junipero Sierra; Sunset- Lake Merced to Lincoln; Dolores-Alemany to Market; Guerrero- Dolores to Mission; Fell- Market to Stanyan; Oak- Stanyan to Van Ness; Evans- Cesar Chavez to Jennings; and Hunters Point- Jennings to Innes.

“DPW is preparing for the upcoming rain by canvassing key routes and filling potholes to ensure streets are and safe for everyone that share the roadway,” said Mohammed Nuru, Interim Director of the Department of Public Works. “It is also paramount that motorists take pre-caution by driving slow in and around the work zone, flanked by orange cones, when Public Works crews are in the field repairing the roadway.”

Motorists are encouraged to be aware of traffic impacts. Lanes may be temporary impacted to complete the repair. DPW responds to more than 13,000 requests to service potholes and spends up to $ 3 million every year. 

Road construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. The risk of injury is seven times higher for road workers than for an average worker. The single largest factor in work zone related accidents is driver inattention and the other major contributing factor is speeding motorists. There are simple tips for motorists to navigate safely through the work zone:

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions 

  • Avoid changing the radio station, using a mobile phone, eating, or other distractions that can remove your concentration from the road

Keep Your Headlights On

Don’t Honk Your Horn 



Pay Attention to the Road 

  • Watch brake lights on vehicles ahead
  • Watch traffic and people around you and be prepared to react

Merge into the Proper Lane

  • Merge well before you reach the lane closure
  • Be aware that traffic patterns can change daily

Don’t Tailgate

  • Follow other vehicles at a safe distance

 

Obey the Posted Speed Limit

  • Workers may be present just feet away
  • Fines may be doubled for moving traffic violations
  • Be prepared to slow down further if conditions indicate the need; especially when the road is wet or slippery due to rain

Change Lanes Safely 

  • Change lanes only where pavement markings indicate, and only when traffic conditions permit

 

Follow Instructions from Traffic Safety Flaggers

Expect the Unexpected

  • Workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane without warning
  • Other vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly

Be Patient

 

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its 

infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services. For more information, please visitwww.sfdpw.org