SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Some Hillcrest residents are fuming because they're out hundreds of dollars dealing with flat tires, and they're blaming a city contractor for the problem.
Burtech Pipeline is currently replacing more than four miles of pipeline in Hillcrest, University Heights and North Park. Right now, its temporary pipes are lining the curbs of Robinson Avenue near Park Boulevard.
There are some barriers, but metal objects are still peeking out from some areas. Those objects have punctured and flattened dozens of tires, including one on Matthew Segal's SUV.
"I feel unsafe, and I'm pretty disappointed in the fact that the city isn't taking the necessary steps to adequately design this piping system," he said.
The tires are also causing part of the pipes to burst, cutting off water to residents and businesses. Trust Restaurant's head chef said that forces the eatery to close abruptly, meaning customers have to leave and costing tens of thousands of dollars.
A spokeswoman for Burtech referred questions to the city, which sent 10News this statement:
"The contractor frequently places barriers over the high line connection points and covers sections of it with asphalt, but unfortunately these breaks can happen despite their efforts to protect them. When a break is reported or detected, we work as quickly as possible to have the break fixed and water service restored."
Those who did get a flat tire can try to get reimbursed by filing a claim with the city.
