Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
The City of Tampa has announced the acquisition of a new paving machine, effectively doubling its in-house paving capacity. The Caterpillar AP 1055, a newer version of the Mobility Department's existing equipment, will join the current fleet that includes a new roller and other related machinery. This addition brings the city's paver trucks to two.
"We've heard the calls of 'pave my street,' and we're doing just that. This new equipment, along with our increased manpower reflects our commitment to making significant road improvements now," said Mayor Jane Castor. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, but just know we're on our way."
The new machine is more fuel-efficient, quieter, and easier to operate than previous models and can pave up to a 25-foot wide street in one pass. This enhancement will allow the City's Mobility Department to pave more streets faster and at a lower cost compared to hiring outside contractors.
Over the past five years, the Mobility Department has paved more than 167 lane miles across Tampa. A lane mile refers to the length of the road multiplied by its number of lanes. For instance, a one-mile stretch with two lanes equals two lane miles.
This year alone, over 36 lane miles have been paved with additional projects still pending. The increased focus on paving also facilitates roadway safety enhancements through Quick Build Projects, which include upgrades like new bike lanes, on-street parking, and improved drainage.
“Maintaining our city streets improves the appearance of our neighborhoods, enhances property values, and provides better drainage. With the addition of this equipment, along with our dedicated city employees, we’ll pave more streets while saving taxpayer money,” said Councilman Alan Clendenin.
To engage residents further in this initiative, Tampa is launching a naming contest for the new paver truck. Residents can submit their name suggestions at tampa.gov/newpaver; a winner will be selected in a few weeks.
Contact:
306 East Jackson Street
Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 274-8211
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