Last summer, the City unveiled its first, and currently only, spray injection patching machine.  Since then, staff has been putting it to good use throughout the City, working hard to resolve problems where traditional methods have typically failed.  The results thus far have been very encouraging.  Repairs made using the new technology are being accomplished much more quickly and cheaply than removal and replacement, and lasting much longer than traditional patches.  In fact, evidence to date suggests that these repairs will last at least 5 times longer than traditional patches, which means significantly higher returns on the City's investments.

However, Public Works & Utilities staff is looking for opportunities to take this and other technologies even farther.  Just this week, the manufacturer of our existing spray injection machine conducted a formal demonstration of its single operator version, called DuraMaxx.  The DuraMaxx utilizes the same spray injection technology, but couples it with in-cab, single operator operation.  By keeping the operator safely inside the cab, alternatives like the DuraMaxx could allow for a 50% reduction in patching crew size, from 2 persons to just one. 

The department intends to continue vetting the DuraMaxx, competing alternatives and, of course, budget implications.  But, the future looks very promising.  The end result could very well be not just huge efficiency gains in patching operations, but also freed resources and the ability to get even more done on City streets.

• Allowing the hiring of off-duty law enforcement officers;
• Partnering with the Wichita Fire Department to increase public safety presence;
• Instituting enhanced traffic-control measures;
• Streamlining citation and enforcement processes;
• Implementing additional licensing requirements; and
• Conducting further research on several safety aspects including the establishment of a security fund.