Watch Out! Pothole Season is Back!

It’s that time of the year when the Town of Arnprior streets are prone to developing potholes.

As spring continues its freeze-and-thaw cycle, potholes will begin to develop on streets across the Town at a quicker rate than normal. This creates driving challenges and can become an irritant and eyesore for motorists.

Here is what you need to know about potholes and how the Town addresses them.

How they Form:
Potholes become much more prevalent during the spring due to the freeze/thaw cycle. Water seeps into cracks in the pavement, saturating the soil underneath. Temperatures drop, and the water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing up the asphalt. The constant traffic load breaks the asphalt, causing surface holes. Further traffic load and weather conditions continue to cause the granular base to erode, leaving the potholes.

Repairing Potholes:
The winter and spring seasons typically present issues for crews when trying to patch potholes. During these seasons, pothole fixes are generally only temporary because you can’t achieve a good bond between the pavement and the patch. As a result, the patches deteriorate quickly when subjected to freeze/thaw cycles, traffic and weather.

Report a Pothole:
If you would like to report a pothole, please submit a request. Please provide a detailed description of the pothole’s location. The size of the pothole is very important, as those that are large, deep or threatening to traffic are addressed first.

Things Drivers Can Do:

Maintain recommended tire pressure at all times
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road
Stay alert and be aware; take it slowly
Be vigilant about checking your vehicle
Report dangerous potholes
Expect road repairs during pothole season