In the latest episode of Front & Center, hosts April and Nikayla welcome  Steve Bridges, Public Works Director, and Randall Meadows, Street Maintenance Superintendent, pull back the curtain on street maintenance operations in Statesville, sharing insights into their team's wide-ranging responsibilities beyond just pothole repair.Far from just filling potholes, the Street Department's 16-person team maintains 150 miles of roads while juggling sidewalk repairs, curb and gutter work, parking lot maintenance, and even emergency response during storms. Their days are unpredictable, with priorities shifting as new issues arise across the city. As Meadows puts it with a smile, "My day is never planned."Funding presents significant challenges. The city relies on Powell Bill allocations from the state, but these funds are tied to census data collected only once every decade. Meanwhile, inflation drives up material costs, creating a gap between infrastructure needs and available resources. The team must carefully prioritize repairs based on road conditions, traffic volume, and budget constraints.Not all streets within city limits fall under city maintenance – a fact that surprises many residents. Major thoroughfares like Broad Street and Davie Avenue are maintained by NCDOT. The city's website features a Powell Bill map where residents can identify who maintains which roads: city (black), NCDOT (red), or private (purple).The conversation reveals fascinating details about traffic calming measures, emergency response protocols, and even some memorable calls – including the day Meadows had to remove a dead horse from a city street. From serious infrastructure discussions to lighthearted moments, this episode offers an insider's view of the dedicated professionals who maintain our urban arteries.Have a pothole or street issue to report? Use the "Report a Problem" feature on the city's website or call the Street Department directly. Your observations help keep Statesville's streets safe and well-maintained for everyone.

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