TDOT answers frequently asked questions about potholes

4 hours ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

Potholes are a common source of frustration for many drivers. Tuesday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these nuisances of the road.

How do potholes form?

Potholes form when water seeps underneath the roads and gets into pavement cracks, and freezes. The ice expands the cracks and weakens the pavement. Traffic then crumbles the weakened pavement.

Why does TN seem to have more potholes?

Tennessee experiences more freeze-thaw cycles than many states. Those cycles contribute to the deterioration of the roads. Also, Tennessee roads have seen a huge uptick in commercial traffic, aka heavier freight vehicles, putting additional stress on the conditions of our roadways.

Why do some patched areas get potholes AGAIN?

Patching with the available cold mix is a temporary fix to provide safer, smoother roads quickly for drivers. This mix is not as durable, and we recognize the road will need a longer-lasting repair when the more durable “hot mix” is available.

Why don’t you just repave the entire road?

We do. It’s called milling and paving. Patching is the fastest way to deal with potholes, but we often return in the spring to mill and pave the area.