TDOT schedules road, bridge, pothole repair
February 20, 2009
Tennessee Department of Transportation crews are taking advantage of the break from snow and ice removal to patch and repair potholes across the state. TDOT is reminding motorists to keep an eye out for these mobile maintenance crews.
Winter weather extremes lead to an increase in potholes on state highways and bridges. Potholes form when moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement, then freezes and thaws causing the cracks to expand. The constant pounding of traffic loosens the pavement which causes it to crumble creating the pothole.
“Winter and early spring are the time when we see potholes form. We may have temperatures in the fifties during the day and sub freezing temperatures at night. This temperature variation causes a lot of expanding and contracting of the asphalt,” said Paul Degges, TDOT Chief Engineer. “Our maintenance forces are working everyday to repair and patch potholes.” [Read more]
