Ah, the bane of winter and spring as temperatures vary between freezing and thawing.
Potholes form when moisture gets under the surface and turns the base to mud or washes out parts of the base. Water below the surface also freezes. As it expands, it pushes the road upward. Then as it thaws, base settles and the road surface has no support beneath it. A car or truck hits this spot and breaks the surface open into the hole. There's no avoiding them unfortunately, especially here where temperatures in the winter frequently alternate between freezing and thawing.
Lincolnway/IL Route 2 has been the worst offender. The roadway has needed reconstruction for several years. Since the roadway is a State highway, it is IDOT's responsibility to reconstruct it. Unfortunately, IDOT had to rebid the project and it got off to a late start this year. The work won't be done until spring, so in the meantime, we're at the mercy of IDOT and their contractor to get the holes filled. The road is in such bad shape, it's impossible for our City crews to maintain by ourselves. Since the reconstruction began last fall, it is IDOT's responsibility to hold the road together. We have volunteered City crews to assist the contractor and will continue to do so.
Unfortunately, this time of year, asphalt plants aren't open because of the cold temperatures. This means crews can only use "cold patch." As you've probably noticed, cold patch is temporary at best. However, it's the only solution we have at this time and the most commonly used method across the country. Lasting repairs require the warm temperatures and operating asphalt plants.
