It’s a common problem this time of year: You’re driving along a road when, suddenly: BAM! You hit a pothole.
These annoying craters emerge suddenly and without warning, jolting and rattling all who cross them. They are a source of frustration, a source of potential damage, and a reason for hundreds of hours of emergency roadwork in municipalities across the state.
While this has been a relatively mild winter, seasonal effects like repeated freezing and thawing have still taken their toll on the nearly 260 miles of roadway maintained by the Township. As of last week, pothole reports had begun to roll in more frequently, and the Township’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is now gearing up for its peak season.
Fortunately, DPW has designated crews that work aggressively to identify and repair affected areas. While there is no truly effective way to prevent them from forming, the dedication of our DPW crews and the level of resources and manpower they pour into patching these problem spots quickly and effectively, helps minimize the overall impact to our residents and commuters.
Nevertheless, with nearly 260 miles of streets under the Township’s purview, identifying each and every crater is a nearly impossible task. In any given year, crews can expend as much as 100 tons of material on this massive undertaking, repairing upwards of 2,000 potholes.
To make our goal of safe, smooth streets a reality, this must become a community-wide effort. While we don’t need our residents to help us pour gravel and tar, we do need everyone to keep their eyes on the road and be on the lookout for the destructive craters themselves, or patches of deteriorating asphalt poised to soon become potholes.
After all, you as residents are the best resource we have for identifying issues of any sort in our community — and the Township has staff ready and willing to help with whatever you need.
Residents who see or hit an existing pothole — or who notice a potential problem spot — should report it to Public Works as soon as possible by calling (856) 424–4422. Problems on State- or County-owned highways will be routed to the appropriate authorities.
You can also report your concern 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the “Report a Concern” tab on the Township website, at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/forms.aspx?FID=86. Additionally, you can always reach us via Facebook and Twitter.
Crews aim to respond to all reported issues within 36 hours, weather permitting. Some work cannot be done in rain or snow, or when temperatures drop below freezing. But rest assured that as soon as possible, DPW will be on the job.
By working together with our residents and remaining proactive in seeking out these problem spots, we will help keep Cherry Hill’s roadways safe and in good condition — and help keep our Township a great place to live, work and play.
On a separate note, I would like to remind residents that this Saturday, March 23, the Township will partner with the Camden County Department of Public Works to offer a special household hazardous waste collection, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Township Public Works Complex, 1 Perina Blvd.
This special event will be held rain or shine.
Permitted items include antifreeze and other automotive fluids; household cleaners such as bleach, floor wax and carpet cleaners; pesticides; kerosene; personal-care items such as fingernail polish remover, hair dye, hydrogen peroxide and iodine; and home items such as fluorescent light bulbs and pool chemicals.
Oil-based paints and other paint-related products are permitted. However, latex paint is non-hazardous and should instead be dried out and disposed of in your regular curbside trash collection. Other prohibited items include appliances, cooking oil, fiberglass insulation, heating oil tanks, landscape timbers, helium and oxygen tanks, scrap metal, smoke detectors and tires.
For more information, please call (856) 858–5241.
Please do not bring medication to this event. Unwanted and expired medication should instead be brought in to be deposited through Project Medicine Drop, accessible 7 days a week at the Cherry Hill Police Department (820 Mercer St.). For details on this program, please visit the Township website at www.CherryHill-NJ.com, or call Cherry Hill Police at (856) 488–7828.
Remember, my door is always open. If you have questions, comments or concerns about anything going on in Cherry Hill, you can call my office at (856) 488–7878, or email me at MayorCahn@chtownship.com.
Mayor Chuck Cahn
