My column today on shoddy road repairs in the city of Fresno caused several people to email me with their examples of problem roads. Maybe we need to keep post a list of the worst streets in the city. Send me your nominations and we'll post them on Fresnobee.com.
One of my pet peeves is the city allowing contractors to cut into streets and then not requiring them to return the streets to the same smoothness when they are done. In some cases, the patched portions are mini speed bumps. That should not be allowed, but it seems that no on at City Hall is paying attention.
I agree that this is an annoying problem. It's even more noticeable when you're riding a bike in what passes for a bicycle lane on some of these streets. I can't believe the City doesn't put something in writing up front requiring contractors to restore the street to its original condition. Is this just another example of the too-cozy relationship between the City staff and the developers?
And if you think the streets are bad, try walking on the sidewalks (if the street even has any). A classic case is the north side of Herndon where it passes under Fwy 41. Some construction was being done, so they tore up the sidewalk and put up a very-helpful sign saying "sidewalk closed." Since there is no sidewalk on the south side of Herndon, I guess the City staff thinks it's reasonable to expect pedestrians to walk a half-mile to the north or south to find another way across 41. Or maybe they should just buy a car.
The street that is URGENTLY in need is MAROA BETWEEN BULLARD AND BARSTOW. If I lived on that street I would have complained daily for the last 10 yrs.
funny,..it seems the further north ya go the better the roads..some streets get repaved so often the island's are disapearing!