Spike in landslides leaves Pittsburgh with less money to fix potholes

PITTSBURGH — Streets are torn up and “road closed” signs are up. It’s officially paving season in Pittsburgh.

The city is spending around $16 million on paving projects this year, a drop from two years ago. That’s due in large part to landslides.

The sound of heavy trucks and paving is a welcome one on Stanton Avenue in Highland Park.

“A lot of potholes around here messing up my tires,” said driver Jabar Owens-Staples.

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Pittsburgh is committing around $16 million to pave 34 miles of city roads, down from $20 million for paving two years ago.

City officials said money needed to be moved to deal with a spike in landslides, leading to the drop. Mayor Bill Peduto said he is hopeful federal COVID relief money could soon help.

“We’ll be looking at all areas of the city budget we had to cut in order to get through last year and the beginning of this year, paving being one of them,” said Peduto.

In the past, city leaders have said more than 80 miles of roads need to be paved annually to keep up with potholes — more than twice what will be done this year.

Peduto questions the accuracy of that estimate, adding that progress is being made.

“We began a new program that adds an extra inch of asphalt when we pave and we’re seeing far less potholes, far less wear and tear,” said Peduto.

It is news Owens-Staples has been waiting to hear, but he knows improvements will take time.

“For right now it’s probably going to be deal with it. But hopefully down the line, probably the next two years, it can get done,” said Owens-Staples.

City officials pointed out that while spending on road paving is down from two years ago, it’s much higher than prior to the Peduto administration.

Crews will be filling potholes in Pittsburgh this weekend in blitz campaign Crews will be filling potholes in Pittsburgh this weekend in blitz campaign

Cox Media Group