WVDOH preparing for annual ‘war on potholes'
Crews must wait for warm, dry weather to fill potholes with permanent hot asphalt, which has certain requirements to set such as ground temperatures being above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Asphalt plants usually shut down in the winter for maintenance, so cold asphalt is used to make temporary repairs on severe, 'tire-busting' potholes until temperatures rise.
Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh said that this winter has been tough on West Virginia roads.
'This has been the worst winter we've had in years,' Rumbaugh said. 'It's perfect weather for potholes.'
West Virginia law enforcement will be targeting this traffic violation starting Friday
A press release from the WVDOH explains that to make a permanent pothole repair, crews mill out a square or rectangle around the pothole roughly two inches deep. Debris is removed from the hole and a layer of sticky tack is placed down, which helps the hot asphalt adhere to the road surface. The asphalt is then poured into the hole and rolled flat with a machine.
John Crane, executive director of the Asphalt Pavement Association in Charleston, said that there are around three dozen asphalt plants serving the state of West Virginia, with a few already open. In the past, the WVDOH was able to work with some asphalt plant owners to open early because of mild winters, but multiple winter storms and polar plunges made that impossible this year.
'Our intention is to patch all our potholes as quickly as possible,' Rumbaugh said. 'Please be patient with us as we endeavor to patch these potholes. Slow down and pay attention to work zones for the safety of you and our workers.'
If your vehicle sustained damage from a pothole, you can learn how to file a claim here.
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