By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Just before students were returning to classes last month, Hays Public Works employees were restriping street crosswalks in the city.
They prioritized the work, starting at pedestrian crosswalks and parking areas around schools.
Turns out, street paint is one of the things that is in short supply because of COVID, says City Manager Toby Dougherty.
"Among the unique nature of things that are short because of COVID, street paint is one of them," Dougherty told city commissioners during the August progress report.
"We're having a hard time getting the street paint. Why? We don't know. They're getting enough to do some of the critical areas around the schools."
New pavement markings will be applied throughout town into the fall season.
Some unscheduled curb and gutter repair is also being done.
"The heat this summer has caused a lot of popping of concrete," Dougherty reported. "It's not uncommon to see either sidewalks or street panels heave and curbs pop.
"Concrete will get cracks and it'll expand with heat. When you get prolonged heat exposure, it will expand to the point where it's gotta give somewhere."
For details of other recent projects by city departments, watch the video below: