An unusually harsh winter has left City streets riddled with potholes.  While potholes are a common experience toward the end of winter and spring, the extreme freezing the thawing have caused the problem to reach excessive highs this year.  City Public Works Crews are applying cold-mix asphalt patches to potholes around town, focusing primarily on high traffic areas.  Motorists are urged to drive with caution around patching crews.  When conditions are favorable for patching work, Street Crews are placing over two tons of patching material a day.  

Cold-mix patches are considered a temporary repair and typically do not last very long.   Drivers may notice that in areas where potholes are patched, there are unfilled hole remaining.  This is because holes with water or ice in them cannot be effectively patched.  More durable, regular asphalt patches require warmer air and ground temperatures. Conditions suitable for placement of regular asphalt patches typically begin in May.

 When driving over a pothole-filled road, motorists are advised to slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to avoid losing control of the vehicle.  Hitting potholes at higher speeds increases the chance of damage to vehicles. Keeping full air pressure in all tires will help cushion much as possible between the pothole and the tire rim.    Drivers should watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.  Before swerving around a pothole, be sure to check surrounding traffic.  Do not brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car's weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can significantly increase the force of the impact.   Be cautious on wet streets because puddles can hide deep potholes.