City’s new pothole paver to catalyze infrastructure improvements – Pottsville Republican Herald

Pottsville residents can expect to start seeing potholes filled around town next week, thanks to the city’s attainment of a new pothole paver, purchased and donated to the city by Reading Anthracite Company.

The new equipment is going to be a game-changer for Pottsville’s infrastructure, Pottsville Mayor Tom Smith said.

“We’re taking action, getting things done,” Smith said. “During our campaign, the biggest complaints were blight and streets.”

Tom Whitaker, superintendent of streets, said residents should start seeing the cylindrical, orange DuraPatcher tugged around by a streets department truck in downtown, high-traffic areas first as early as next week.

The machine paves only over potholes, rather than from curb-to-curb, making the process quicker. According to Whitaker, only two workers are required to run the DuraPatcher and cars can drive over the newly-paved potholes immediately.

“It’s a whole different thing from regular pothole paving, this is actually meant to be more permanent,” Whitaker said.

The machine itself has great longevity, too. Whitaker said the DuraPatcher should be reliable for at least 20 years.

The opportunity to obtain such an expensive piece of equipment came about through a partnership with Reading Anthracite Co., after Smith reached out to the company. Rich commended the mayor for the partnership, stating that Smith is the city’s first mayor to form a strong connection with the company in decades.

Reading Anthracite Co. purchased the DuraPatcher for $60,000 from Stevenson Equipment in Harrisburg. The machine is valued at $104,000.

Looking ahead, the city will supply the oil and stone needed for the paver. Whitaker said the cost for these will be minimal, perhaps a few hundred dollars a month. The city burns through about 4 tons of blacktop for that same price point, meaning the city will save a significant amount of money, Whitaker said.

Pottsville residents can report a pothole in need of repair by calling the streets department at 570-622-7690. The department’s website will soon feature an online reporting tool, too.