When state highway crews are not clearing roads of snow or ice this time of year, they can often be found repairing potholes. Such work has been done this week along Lexington’s New Circle Road. Natasha Lacy is public information officer for the district seven Kentucky Transportation Office. Lacy said it’s not just the cold to warm temperature swings that can lead to potholes.
“Freezing and thawing, but also as we move into spring, we usually have heavy rainfall. And heavy rainfall also contributes to the formation of potholes too as well,” said Lacy.
Lacy noted it only takes a small crack in the pavement for water to seep under asphalt and start pothole formation. Only cold mix repairs can be made under current conditions. Lacy added the opening of asphalt factories this spring provides for a hot mix patch that helps smooth over rough spots.
She said laying down a pothole-free pavement is just not feasible today.
“You know there’s constant research and testing that’s implemented. So, there is a possibility that there could be in the far future that we would not have potholes as we do now. But, that will only depend on if we have materials that are improved upon,” said Lacy.
For now, motorists can report potholes to state transportation officials by calling one-800-PATCH IT.
