CHARLOTTE -- If you drive anywhere near or around uptown Charlotte, you've probably felt the rumble of the stripped streets and taken evasive action to avoid the exposed manhole covers.

"There's more barrels out again," said Charlotte driver Cindy Pope.

The city paves streets each year based on a cycle and on problem spots that need extra attention. This year's list includes stretches of nearly every major road in uptown.

"We had a lot of construction in the last five to seven years and there was not really an opportunity to come in and resurface those streets," said Doreen Szymanski with the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

Even though the projects are scheduled, this year's timetable is even tighter.

"We're really trying to get the resurfacing done early and out of the way before the Democratic National Convention," Szymanski said.

The city doesn't want paving projects to add to the chaos in uptown during the convention, and crews can't wait much later than that because they can't pave in the winter.

"It has to be warm in order to do the resurfacing," said Szymanski.

But until the work is finished, drivers are in for a bumpy ride. One of the worst spots is on Morehead Street at Kings Drive. Crews at Woodie's Auto Service just up the street say the rough road popped several tires.

"An instant flat,” said manager Ed Cruz. “Basically the car will go to the rim right away."

Mechanics say you should watch your speed on rough streets to avoid damage to your tires and suspension.

"The slower you go, the easier it is to see that hole," Cruz said.

Drivers say the delays are frustrating and will require a little extra patience.

“You just have to be more attentive," Pope said.