Lorain looks to invest $2.3 million in road repairs

Every year, residents and motorists find a similar situation: cracks, crevasses and potholes fill the thoroughfares of Lorain. It's an issue that constituents raise all the time, said Council member Mary Springowski, at-Large. "I constantly have complaints about potholes," Springowski said. "Living where we live and the elements that the roads are exposed to, it makes it very difficult on our cars." But change may be coming for some streets throughout the city. On Monday, the city announced that it is moving forward toward a $2.3 million investment to replace pavement and resurface asphalt along the pockmarked streets. The work is also expected to include base repairs, casting adjustments, pavement markings and site restoration. The funding comes from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) roadway program. "This investment reflects our continued commitment to maintaining safe, reliable roadways for residents, businesses and visitors," Mayor Jack Bradley said in a statement. "By leveraging OPWC funding, we are able to maximize local resources and advance critical infrastructure improvements throughout the community." Addressing the issue is important when considering how much Lorain residents rely on the city's infrastructure, specifically those who are of lower-income backgrounds, Springowski said. "It's hard on everybody," Springowski said. "When you look at the socioeconomic demographics of our city and people, sometimes their cars are their lifeline. And they're holding them together and trying to do the best they can." According to the statement from Bradley's office, the investment to Lorain's streets is backed by $1.1 million of funding from the Ohio Public Words Commission, which allows the city to leverage local, capital funds to address the infrastructure improvements. The funding will result in three roadway rehabilitation projects — designated at Contracts A, B and C — that will target roadways that have "deteriorated beyond acceptable engineering and safety standards," according to Lorain's statement. It is unknown what roads will be targeted. Construction is expected to begin once contracts have been executed, according to the city's statement, with scheduling details to be announced later. Contact Garrett Looker at glooker@chroniclet.com.