After months of frustration from residents dealing with pothole-ridden streets, the City of Buffalo is taking a new approach to road repairs, one that officials say will provide longer-lasting results.
On Bailey Avenue, city crews recently partnered with Erie County workers to learn and implement hot asphalt patching, a technique considered more durable than the cold patching methods typically used during winter months. The effort also included the use of county-owned equipment, highlighting a growing collaboration between city and county agencies.
Mayor Sean Ryan emphasized that hot patching represents a more permanent solution to the city’s pothole problem. Unlike cold patching, which is often a temporary fix applied in colder conditions. Hot asphalt creates a stronger, longer-lasting repair. The city plans to deploy this method at least once a week moving forward.
The initiative comes after a winter season marked by widespread complaints from residents. Rasheed Wyatt, who represents the University District, said potholes have been a major concern for constituents.
“If we’re talking about quality of life, these are the issues,” Wyatt said. “So many people have complained about hitting potholes and damaging the front end of their cars—that’s a reality. It’s costly and something people shouldn’t have to deal with.”
Wyatt praised both the mayor’s leadership and the partnership with Erie County, calling the new approach “a step in the right direction.”
While the city transitions to more frequent use of hot patching, officials say cold patching will still play a role during the winter months, particularly in emergency situations when hot asphalt is not practical.
Looking ahead, Mayor Ryan noted that Buffalo is exploring the possibility of purchasing its own hot patching equipment. Doing so would allow city crews to operate more independently and potentially expand the scope and speed of repairs across neighborhoods.
For residents long affected by rough road conditions, the shift signals a more proactive and sustainable approach to maintaining city streets.