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Paving project will impact Carytown for weeks

Posted at 7:15 PM, Oct 25, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-25 19:15:27-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Dustin Richardson can’t stomach the sight of the streets around his home in Richmond's Carytown.

"It looks terrible," said Richardson. "They have missed the corners completely around the corners and there are even some spots where the company missed. It doesn't cover the old street at all."

The Richmonder questions the quality of recent paving projects by city contractors along his South Sheppard Street neighborhood near Carytown.

Ronnie Jones agrees the streets have seen better days.

"Sheppard is very busy it's a main thorough fare for a lot of people going to work," said Jones.

CBS 6 News' Greg McQuade took neighbors concerns to Richmond City Hall and asked about the resurfacing project.

"We know that there are people that see the roads and they say, 'Oh my gosh! Why would they leave the roads like this,'" said Richmond Department of Public Work’s Sharon North.

North said the mess along the streets is temporary as contractors need to level the uneven areas and patching potholes. However, she said it is going to look unsightly for a few weeks.

According to North, contractors need to prep the streets before paving.

Think of asphalt prep work in terms of painting your house. You patch some holes and prime the walls before applying the final coat of paint. The same rules apply to the streets.

The city will spend more than $7 million this fiscal year resurfacing streets in need of repair. North asks for patience during the project.

"It is a necessary evil we want the roads to look better you want the roads better so that's the process to get them that way," said North.

Th goal is a smoother road, but neighbors might have to endure a few bumps and a few weeks along the way to get there.

"To finally see them back up to the standard of what they should be in an urban environment I'm just the bare minimum would be nice," says Dustin Richardson.

If you have any questions about paving projects in the city, call 804-646-1798.