As the weather continues to fluctuate between warm and cold, it unfortunately causes ideal conditions for pothole formation.
Marshall County Highway Supervisor Jason Peters explained why these damp, dynamic conditions can result in these unwanted road hazards.
Peters said, “Water gets underneath the road which freezes, then when it thaws it kind of somewhat creates a soft spot under the road so with a soft spot being underneath the roadway that starts to give, it cracks and breaks then it just start creating a bigger and bigger and bigger pothole.”
Pothole filling generally begins in March, when weather conditions improve enough to notice the underlying problems. However, due to current conditions, Marshall County residents could see them a bit sooner.
Peters explained, “A fairly good sized pothole can create overnight, it’s not there today it could be there tomorrow. All highway departments are aware of them, they see them, but they do pop up rather quickly especially at this time of year.”
Peters encourages citizens to contact the highway department if they run into any pothole problems. The Marshall County Highway Department is open from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 574-936-3942.
Only county roads are handled by the highway departments, state highways are handled by INDOT. To alert INDOT of about an issue, follow the ‘report a concern’ link at potholes.indot.in.gov
