Melting snow causing problems on roads

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - There are a few potholes on the roadways already, but those few potholes are soon expected to multiply.

"Potholes are likely to appear here and there, so please watch out for them on the state roads, U.S. roads and interstates that we take care of," Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) spokeswoman Debbie Calder said.

It's caused by warmer temperatures and melting snow.

"Water gets into and seeps into the cracks on the roadway and then when it freezes it expands," Calder said.

Once it expands that's when the next problem begins. The ice between the cracks start melting and thawing out.

"Then it leaves a void in that area and the traffic going over the top of the roadway creates the pothole," Calder said.

INDOT crews can only temporarily fix the potholes during the cold winter months.

"There is continuous maintenance activity," Calder said. "What crews will use now is a cold mix which is small stone and liquid asphalt to repair that pothole now.

However, a more permanent fix will happen when the weather gets warmer and asphalt plants re-open.

"Then we'll come back and usually take care of them again with what is considered a hot mix," Calder said. "Thats more of a permanent fix and will stay there."

To report a pothole on a numbered state route, interstate or U.S. highway, contact the INDOT Crawfordsville District at (888) 924-6368 or use the “Report a Concern” tool at INDOT’s website.