As winter loosens its
grip and temperatures moderate, the annual parade of potholes
has once again struck area roads. BCEO crews have been busy identifying
and patching the worst offenders. "The thaw seems to have
arrived a little early this year, but we're doing a good job
of keeping up with the potholes," said Butler County Engineer
Greg Wilkens. "We'll continue to address the pothole issues
while remaining prepared for snow and ice control should we see
any late season snowstorms."
While not as snowy
as last winter, Butler County has experienced prolonged periods
of sub-freezing temperatures that have kept the ground frozen
most of this winter. But a week of mild weather -- daytime highs
in the 40s and 50s and some overnight lows above freezing --
has brought about a rapid thaw and the accompanying pothole phenomenon.
How Potholes
Form
Potholes are formed
when water penetrates the roadway surface causing the asphalt
base or subgrade to become unstable. The water freezes and expands,
which breaks up the pavement. When the ice melts, air pockets
form within and underneath the broken pavement. As cars and trucks
drive over these gaps and broken pavement, the weight causes
the asphalt to collapse and pop out, creating the pesky potholes.
Salting and plowing can also take their toll on roadway surfaces.
Salt is particularly hard on concrete surfaces since steel reinforcing
bars can rust and deteriorate.
Report A
Pothole
The Engineer's Office
utilizes the sleek, new Dura
Patcher to fix potholes. Purchased and put into action two
years ago, the Dura Patcher
fills potholes with emulsified asphalts and aggregate to make
a permanent patch with a water repellent, solid asphalt body.
The completed patch requires no rolling or tamping and can be
driven over immediately so there is virtually no inconvenience
to motorists.
Motorists wishing to
report a pothole on a County-maintained road may contact
the BCEO at 867-5744 or 424-9144 or by email at info@bceo.org.
Wilkens stresses that this is for County roads only. Residents
and motorists wishing to report potholes on township roads or
city streets should contact the appropriate city or township
agency.
# # #
For more information
contact:
Chris
Petrocy, BCEO Public Information Supervisor
Greg Wilkens, P.E., P.S.,
Butler County Engineer
Phone 513.867.5744 • Fax 513.867.5849
