Pothole patching operations Crews with the City of Prince George have been working day, afternoon, and night shifts to patch potholes uncovered by the recent unseasonably warm temperatures and rainfall. Potholes are formed when liquid water gets into a fissure or crack in the asphalt. When the temperature drops below zero, the water freezes and expands, thus widening the crack. Vehicle traffic further expands and deepens the developing pothole and frequent freeze/thaw cycles in the winter months also serve to worsen the problem. In order to patch a pothole, crews must first clear the hole of water and debris. “Cold mix” patching material is then heated in a mobile hot patching unit. Crews fill the hole with the patching mix, compact it, and ensure it is level with the rest of the road. “Since Council has increased the annual road rehab budget, we have seen a steady decline in potholes,” says Associate Director of Public Works, Gina Layte Liston, noting that crews are not seeing new potholes on recently paved stretches of road, but on routes that are due for rehabilitation. The number of potholes patched by City crews has been on a steady decline in recent years, going from approximately 22,000 in 2012 to 14,000 last year. Motorists are reminded to use caution when navigating potholes and when driving through puddles, as vehicle damage can occur. Residents are encouraged to report potholes on the City’s website. -30- Media Contact: Mike Kellett Corporate Communications Specialist [email protected] o: 250.614.7882 | c: 250.613.9087
Posted on: Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:25:50 +0000