THUNDER BAY — Motorists in the habit of dodging potholes on Thunder Bay streets can expect to see the cavities repaired manually rather than mechanically over the next while.
The city Roads Division's Python 5000 machine is out of service awaiting repairs.
Division manager Brad Adams says it was taken off the street about a week ago.
The machine needs some new parts, and Adams isn't sure when they will arrive.
"Depending on how quick they come in, it could be back on the road soon, or it could be back late. We're waiting on that," he said Wednesday.
Optimistically, Adams said, the Python will be back in operation by the end of next week.
He said he's generally satisfied with the way the $360,000 machine has performed since it was acquired by the city in late 2017.
However, being a newer device, Adams said problems occasionally occur.
"We've had a couple of issues that we've worked out. Again, it depends on when we get the parts in...We're still working with the supplier on a few issues," he said.
When the Python is out of commission, the city must rely more on road crews tamping down asphalt in potholes using shovels.
Adams said the city has continued to use the manual method for some street repairs despite acquiring the machine.
If the Python were available, he said, it would replace one crew currently assigned to pothole duty.
