THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008

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EG Twp. Quick To Fix Potholes

Small problems usually lead to larger ones, according to Elk Grove Township Highway Commissioner Chuck Serchuk. That's why his department is already out addressing potholes on township roads, despite all the snow not even being thawed.

"We watch our potholes," Serchuk said. "Because we are on the ball, we don't have big potholes. We take care of it right away." He said winter conditions and ice forming in cracks in the road accelerates pothole formation, but the problem isn't as bad in Elk Grove Township compared to other places. "We have some of the best roads and residents can attest to that," he said. "We're already out on the roads, right now." Roads in the township are being examined and small issues will be addressed with a certain tar, to avoid "gatoring," which is when a road is damaged and reveals cracks and characteristics similar to the back of an alligator. By treating these small cracks, Serchuk said potholes are avoided and taxpayers save money.

"We are going to save the people money by doing this," he said. "People don't need to spend all ridiculous amounts of money. We save money by addressing these things early." His biggest concern is the safety of motorists on township roads and his department has gone as far as addressing issues with county roads, if time and resources permit.

"We help some of the roads, that are regular county roads, because people can get hurt," he said. "If you neglect the roads, that's what you get."

---Troy Bruzewski