California Cities Eyeing Lake Elsinore's Approach To Street Repairs

Lake Elsinore is the first city in the state to purchase what is being touted as "eco-friendly" street repair equipment aimed at fixing local roads faster and more economically.

"Yes, we are already hearing from other local jurisdictions," Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee said Tuesday as the equipment was rolled out and used on Lakeshore Drive in front of an audience that included a few dozens city representatives, reporters, residents, as well as other interested onlookers and participants. "Caltrans and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District are already looking at renting the equipment."

A Murrieta representative was also on hand to see whether his city should consider the Heatwurx street repair equipment that is being distributed through Caterpillar.

"Our budget is set, but I can see the value here. We may consider renting the equipment for our city," said Murrieta Public Works Maintenance Manager Mike Brooks.

The Heatwurx equipment is designed to allow for very fast street repairs. A 4'x7' area of asphalt can be fixed in approximately 35 minutes, said Adrian Jacobs, vice president of sales for Heatwurx. Watch the attached video to see a repair being done on Lakeshore Drive.

Pot holes, cracks, and damage caused by utilities' workers are prevalent on many Lake Elsinore roads.

Magee said council members are united on fixing city streets.

"This is an example of Lake Elsinore's continuing investment in infrastructure," he said.

Last month Lake Elsinore City Council approved its 2013/14 operating budget and a five-year capital improvement program. The approval included the purchase of two Heatwurx machines at a cost of approximately $60,000 each.

Additionally, Jacobs said the city should expect to invest approximately $50 in added materials per 4'x7' repair.

But the materials are few, he said, noting the Heatwurx repair process is more eco-friendly than traditional repairs because the equipment heats up existing asphalt for re-use. The added materials are pellets and strips available through Heatwurx, and they are designed to strengthen and further reinforce repairs, he continued.

Jacobs said inquiries to his company about Lake Elsinore are coming in, and many are anxious to see if they should follow suit.

"It's already started," he said of the calls. "A lot of cities are looking at this."