Potholes are popping up across the Upper Cumberland, something we think of mainly after snow or ice.
Putnam Road Supervisor Randy Jones said freezing temperatures, rain, and repeated thawing cycles all play a major role in damaging pavement.
“The rain, the freezing and thawing, the water gets down in the pores of the asphalt and then freezes, and it causes the asphalt to pop loose,” Jones said. “That contributes to a lot of it.”
Jones said heavy storms and flooding can accelerate the problem by allowing water to move beneath the roadway surface.
“A lot of the flooding, the water gets under the asphalt and pops it up,” Jones said. “In the wintertime is the worst time for potholes, especially with heavy snow and salting of the roads.”
Jones said road salt, while necessary for safety, can also weaken pavement over time.
“Salt breaks down the oil in the asphalt, and it causes potholes,” Jones said. “Salt is very hard on roads.”
Jones said poor drainage can make certain areas more vulnerable because moisture is unable to dry out properly.
“A place where water can stand on the road does make it more vulnerable,” Jones said. “It don’t ever dry out and get a chance to cure out.”
Jones said daily wear and tear from traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, also contributes to pothole formation.
“The weight of the trucks does have an impact on the roads,” Jones said. “A lot of times one lane will be rougher than the other where trucks are coming in loaded and leaving empty.”
Jones said the Putnam County Highway Department maintains about 700 miles of county roads and receives calls about potholes every day.
“We have a crew that patches potholes every day,” Jones said. “We keep a crew patching potholes every day, too.”
Jones said winter repairs are often temporary because asphalt plants are shut down during colder temperatures, requiring the use of cold mix.
“There is not a permanent patch for a pothole,” Jones said. “It’s just a temporary fix, and after a road starts deteriorating, it’s probably on the list for paving or oil and chipping.”
Jones said residents can report potholes by calling the Putnam County Highway Department office so crews can schedule repairs as quickly as possible.