Potholes are formed when snow and ice melt as part of Wisconsin’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. Water seeps beneath the pavement through cracks that have formed from wear and tear of traffic. As temperatures drop to below freezing, water becomes ice and expands below the roadway surface, forcing the pavement to rise. Continued traffic over the raised portion of roadway and above-freezing temperatures that thaw the formed ice creates a void, or empty space. The asphalt over the void breaks away, revealing a pothole. Salt application to roadways exacerbates the freeze/thaw action in joints and cracks in the pavement.
During the winter months, temporary, “cold” asphalt patching can be performed to fill potholes. A permanent, “hot” asphalt patch can be applied during the spring and summer months. Potholes are cleared of debris and filled with patching material.
The City of Janesville Public Works Department is preparing to address the number of potholes expected this spring. If you would like to report a pothole, please contact the City Services Center at 755-3110 or visit www.ci.janesville.wi.us/potholes to submit a “Report A Pothole” form. Please be sure to include as much detail as possible regarding the location of the pothole including a street address, if possible, the location of the pothole relative to the nearest intersection, and any other information that may assist City crews in locating the pothole.
