Mild winter having positive effect on Valley potholes
Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Looking back on this past winter, we saw a pretty mild season throughout the Mahoning Valley.
Since there wasn't much of a freeze, this benefits the condition of the roads into the spring and summer seasons.
21 News spoke with county engineers and safety officials about the positives of this mild winter and how it's even saving departments money.
The consensus shows the effects of a quiet, fairly warm winter carries into the spring season as potholes won't be as much of a burden this year.
Road crews are also saving a lot of money and time not having to use as much patching material, salt and manpower.
Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson said while the county is aggressive towards potholes, they were able to save money this year on plow fuel and overtime costs.
"Overtime was about 1/3 to 1/2 of what it normally is for our county," Dawson said.
They also don't have to buy as much salt for next year since they have so much of it leftover. "What happens is, you have to buy with whether you use it or not," Dawson explained. "Where the savings will happen will be next year because we'll be full when the year starts."
That money they were able to save on salt and fuel will go towards asphalt for a yearly chip and seal project instead.
The Valley trends seem to contradict a recent Today Show story blaming a wet winter for those agitating potholes that some regions can't keep up with.
Instead, a positive trend happening tri-county wide. Warren Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert told 21 News the lack of snow and cold weather did help with the potholes. Colbert also believes the roads fared better this year due to the improvements they've been making on city roads over the past five years. Trumbull's Highway Supervisor Tom Klejka said the entire county is seeing fewer potholes and they're saving money on plow fuel and overtime pay for drivers.
Dawson added most Columbiana County roads were built with "an adequate base." Drainage could be an issue with inadequate bases but the county does not face that common issue.
As for Mahoning County, 21 News reached out to County Engineer Pat Ginnetti and he is unavailable until Monday, April 24.
If your car gets damaged by a pothole, a recent AAA report says it'll cost you around $400 to repair it. It could cost you even more depending on the damage and the type of car you drive.
