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LETTER: Pothole knowledge

From reader R. Johnson
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Any truck equipped to deal with repair of road potholes for maximum efficiency, should be fitted with the following features (1988 highways ministry standard for a four or five ton dump truck):

1. Hydraulic operated pavement cutter

2. Hydraulic operated patch compactor

3. Vibratory roller

4. Supply of heated asphalt

5. Dispensing for hot asphalt

6. Propane heated system to dry pothole

7. Dispensing of hot oil to seal pothole

8. Rakes and shovels

9. Worker safety signs

10. Solvent to clean tools

11. Fire extinguishers

The historical patching trucks were sold off in the auctions, after privatization was announced, much of the equipment was purchased, and taken to other provinces, and across the Canadian border.

The knowledge for the operation of units was lost due to employee retirement and early retirement incentives Historically this knowledge was implanted in training from the regional paving engineer’s position, in sessions arranged by the regional highways engineer for all people involved in the patching of potholes to enhance public safety.

R. Johnson

Nelson