RBC | A wet winter coupled with increased traffic are to blame for the increasing number and severity of potholes on local highways.
This year’s crop of potholes on streets and highways has been “incredibly significant” thanks to a wet winter and increased traffic. “We’re chasing potholes between our storms,” said CDOT’s Region 3 District 6 Deputy Superintendent Spencer Dickey. | CAITLIN WALKER PHOTO
“This season has been incredibly significant with the water infiltrating the asphalt to the subsurface,” said Spencer Dickey, the Region 3 District 6 Deputy Superintendent for the Department of Transportation.
Potholes occur when water seeps into fissures or cracks in the asphalt surface of a road. Traffic creates pressure that pushes the water further into the subsurface for pushes out finer material underneath the asphalt, according to “This is pothole season for us.” Dickey said.
CDOT is currently working on pothole remediation on Highways 13 and 64 in between storm systems. The stretch of Hwy. 13 where road construction started last season and is on hold for spring is especially susceptible to developing potholes.
Once the road clears of ice and snow, CDOT crews set up a traffic plan and workers go in to apply a patch, which takes up to an hour. When the road or subsurface are wet, patches aren’t as likely to hold, but can be done temporarily. Bulk cold mix is used for some of the larger repairs, and a product called Perma-Patch can be used specifically for wet potholes. In the summer months, hot asphalt mix is used for more permanent patches.
“Potholes can grow very quickly,” Dickey said. “We’re chasing potholes between our storms. We can’t dedicate a strict cadence to potholes, some have to be attended to right away. It is a priority to us.”
The public is encouraged to report potholes on state highways to CDOT by calling 970-243-2368. “Chances are we know about it, but if we don’t we’re grateful for the info,” Dickey said. Potholes on town streets or county roads should be reported to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Vehicle damage caused by potholes may be covered by insurance if you have a comprehensive coverage plan. Check with your insurance company.
For drivers dodging potholes, CDOT offers the following advice:
- drive cautiously and defensively (slow down and pay attention)
- allow extra space between vehicles so you have time to navigate
- avoid driving through puddles — it might be just a puddle or it might be hiding a pothole
- be extra cautious when CDOT crews are working, for their safety and yours.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
