Pine Street north of Pacific is an example of where Albany’s street crew has solved a perennial pothole problem, at least for a while . (Photo Feb. 8, 2025)
Returning from Browser’s Books via Pine Street toward Hackleman Park, the bike and I for years tried to avoid the worst potholes. Lately that has not been necessary, because a section of new pavement is in place.
A similar patch of pavement was laid down on 12th Avenue west of Elm last year. If you’re interested, you can read the story here.
The need for more street maintenance has been a hot topic in Albany for years. When I again noticed the improvement on Pine Street last week, and also on a section of Seventh Avenue west of Pine, I assumed that these upgrades were the result of the city street crew making use of its new paving machine.
I asked Robb Romeo, the transportation manager in Albany Public Works, to refresh my memory. He replied:
“Our new paver was purchased in January of 2024 (and) is really helping our efficiency with our paving projects. As you can see, the new paver is adding life to our streets until we can find funding to permanently fix them. We were able to pave about 10 sections of streets this last summer that were keeping us busy last winter pothole patching. In addition to this paving, we are keeping up with general customer complaints and utility patch work for the Water Department and Wastewater Collection Department.”
Purchase of the new paving machine, a 2024 LeeBoy 7000-C Asphalt Paver, was approved by the city council in July 2023. The price was $160,479.
Some of the worst pavement in Albany is on sections of Third, Fourth and Fifth avenues east of Lyon Street. I wondered whether these streets might be included in the next batch to see the new paver in action.
Romeo’s response: “We have a significant list that we have compiled that we work towards each year, and 3rd, 4th and 5th (avenues) are on this list. The worst sections will most likely be addressed this summer.”
If that happens, it would be welcome news for the residents on those local streets.
The Albany City Council this year is expected to approve a new street maintenance charge to be added to the city’s monthly utility bills. When the previous council authorized the fee last year, some members pushed for asking voters to approve a local gas tax instead, or in addition.
The 2025 Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would allow cities to increase fuel taxes without the need to ask voters. If that becomes law, the council may decide to rethink the street utility fee.
In the meantime, on streets like Pine and others, we see that significant repairs can be done even now. (hh)
This story was edited on Feb. 13 to add details of the new paving machine.
I’m glad to hear there’s some progress being made… I hope 38th Ave from Marion to Hill street is on there list for adding new asphalt… it’s so bad you feel like you’re going to jiggle teeth outta your head dodging street craters!