City of Penticton road crews are gearing up to work on pothole repairs as winter starts to wind down.
According to a news release from the city, crews will be working on a priority basis, focusing on high-traffic areas first and side streets and residential neighbourhoods second.
“While potholes are one of our road maintenance priorities, they are difficult to control,” said public works manager Len Robson. “The city makes every effort to fix a pothole as soon as we are made aware of it.”
Robson said potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezing, expanding then thawing. While this weakens the pavement, traffic loosens it even more and it eventually will crumble and pop out. He added that during the freeze and thaw cycles of the winter months potholes can show up anytime without notice.
“We appreciate receiving notifications of potholes, or any other road problems, and ask the traveling public to let us know of any road issues they observe,” said Robson.
Major potholes are regularly filled with cold-mix asphalt, however Robson said this solution only acts as a temporary fix until hot mix asphalt is available in the spring. He reminds motorists to drive with care and report serious potholes, winter or spring, by calling 250-490-2500 or emailing publicworks@penticton.ca.