FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2019 

THE CITY OF KINGSTON’S DPW TO BEGIN PAVING AND PATCHING CITY STREETS

DPW Acquires New Patching Truck, “Patchzilla”

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steve Noble and DPW Superintendent Edward Norman are pleased to announce that the City’s Department of Public Works has acquired a patching truck, and will begin filling potholes and paving City streets next week. 

The patching truck, a 2019 International truck with a PB Loader Patch Body, called “Patchzilla,” will be operated by City workers, who will begin filling potholes in the City of Kingston next week. The new truck keeps up to eight tons of asphalt hot, allowing DPW to use one bed-load for 8-10 hours, and creates less waste of lost material. The heated bed will also make it possible for DPW to extend patching into the winter season, working with hot patch much longer than previously capable. Overall, the dependable new truck, which cost $210,000, will reduce expenses and increase efficiency in street maintenance. For reference, the previous asphalt box from the same manufacturer was purchased in 1988 and outlasted three separate trucks. Patchzilla will also be outfitted with an 11-foot plow for use in emergency snow situations. 

In addition to patching, City contractors will begin Round 1 of DPW’s anticipated paving projects this year. Starting April 29, milling and paving will begin on the following streets: 

                                    South Washington Avenue – from Boulevard to dead-end

                                    Petit Avenue – all

                                    Klingburg Avenue – from Boulevard to dead-end

                                    Condie Street – from Albert to Route 32

                                    Wilbur Avenue – near the Sewer Annex and additional sections near Chapel St.

Work completion is dependent upon weather and other unforeseen factors. The subsequent rounds of paving will include up to 10 additional streets in 2019, and will begin after the completion of the first round. 

“We recognize the great need for roadwork in our City and are investing in the appropriate equipment to make the necessary improvements,” said Mayor Noble. “Now that spring is here, we are ready to get out and start paving and patching our streets. There will be approximately 15 streets paved this year, in addition to patching, and that work begins on Monday.” 

“The Patchzilla truck is a valuable addition to our DPW fleet, and will help us make much needed maintenance to the streets, and in doing so, keep the City running smoothly,” said Superintendent Edward Norman. “This equipment is reliable and easy to use, which makes for happy workers and more efficiency.”