City of Knoxville contractors set a monthly paving record in March, laying 18.2 equivalent miles of asphalt on streets across the City.

Warm weather combined with extensive curb cuts done in the winter months helped the City's paving season get off to a smooth start. The paving by Rogers Group Inc. is part of a $6.3 million contract for 48 miles of work during the 2011-12 fiscal year.

"March was a great month," said Christi Branscom, the City's Senior Director of Public Works. "We're happy that citizens in neighborhoods across the City can already see the results of this year's paving schedule."

Among the many roads that saw improvements in March were Parkside Drive in West Knoxville, Fairmont Boulevard and North 6th Street in North Knoxville, Fountain Park Boulevard in North Hills, and several streets in the Lonsdale and Mechanicsville neighborhoods.

City Engineering Director Jim Hagerman said there should be a steady pace of roadwork through the summer and fall. "We realize there is often short-term inconvenience as we work on each section," Hagerman said. "But the benefits are better, safer roads for everybody."