A $9.5 million project is helping Mount Vernon tackle pothole-riddled roads.

On Wednesday, the Department of Public Works began paving its first road of the season.

Crews were seen milling the road top on North Columbus Avenue to the delight of residents.

"I'm ecstatic," said Frank Fraley, Mount Vernon resident.

He has lived near the road for 26 years and says he's shelled out hundreds of dollars to fix flat tires and damage potholes have caused his car.

"It's just extra maintenance that is somewhat unnecessary given the fact that you are a tax-paying resident and you should have great roads," he said.

As News 12 has previously reported, the city has patched potholes every spring only to see the dreaded craters re-emerge each winter.

"A lot of times during the winter we have to use a cold patch which doesn't really stick so the best way of course is to repave the road," said Mount Vernon DPW Commissioner Damani Bush.

Commissioner Bush said the project started last August but weather limited crews to paving just 50 roads that fall.

He said the department is getting an early start this year in hopes of reaching more than 100 roadways.

The project is ramping up as the city works to replace its entire sewer system.

Many pipes have collapsed under roadways which may delay crews from repaving some roads.

"This time around we are working in tandem with our sewer projects and our utility companies to make sure everything is done before we pave the roads," said Bush.

DPW workers will be repaving N. Columbus Avenue between Locust Lane and Sherman Avenue 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

For more information or to report potholes email DPWConcerns@cmvny.com.