Barstow to put new road crack sealer to work

By JESSICA CEJNAR, staff writer BARSTOW • The newest piece of equipment in Barstow’s street-repair arsenal will soon be put to work. Barstow’s Public Works Department will begin a two-month long project Monday repairing cracks on more than 29 streets within city limits using its new crack sealing machine. The machine arrived in the city June 10 after the City Council approved its purchase from Dispensing Technology Corporation for $71,000 at its April 20 meeting. Mayor Joe Gomez, who sits on the Street Committee, which recommended the Council purchase the machine, said the Public Works Department hasn’t had new road equipment for more than 20 years. Repairs to older vehicles have become costly, and finding parts is often a challenge. In the past much of the equipment necessary for street repairs had to be rented, Gomez said, and roads haven’t been consistently maintained. The city also awaits the arrival of a new asphalt patch truck that will use a hot mix application with emulsion and a tamper device to permanently fill in potholes. The City Council approved the purchase of the truck for $171,000 at its April 6 meeting. The truck is expected to arrive in late September, Public Works Supervisor Ronnie Zamora said in an e-mail Tuesday. Gomez said people have complained about the potholes on Rimrock Road, North 2nd Avenue and H Street. H Street between Linda Vista Road and Rimrock Road is currently on the list of crack sealing projects the city would like to get to if time allows. “With the new hot patch truck using a hot mix will make a big difference,” Gomez said. “Most of the concerns I hear right now are about the potholes, and those are being addressed.” City Spokesman John Rader said the crack sealing machine and hot patch truck will both be used for pavement preservation projects. The crack sealing machine will seal the cracks, and a few months later the hot patch truck will act like a glue, helping to prolong the life of the road for another 10 years.