The Department of Transport advises that the freezing weather the Island has been experiencing over the past few weeks may result in more potholes on the Island’s roads.

At the moment Department staff are out and about inspecting roads around the Island looking for potholes.  Extra gangs will be drafted in to fill the potholes and undertake any patching necessary.

The potholes are caused when water, which enters the road surface in joints and potholes, freezes.  When the water freezes it expands, and when it thaws again it contracts.  The continual freeze/thaw cycle weakens the structure of the road and when traffic drives over the weakened area the road material becomes loose and is pulled out by the vehicle tyres, thereby creating a pothole.

During the summer the Department carries out a rolling programme of surface dressing to help prevent water from entering the road surface.  This seals the cracks in the road and stops water seeping into the road surface. 

Another problem faced in the freezing weather is frost heave.  This is where the ground below the surface of the road or pavement freezes and pushes up the whole surface.  It is most noticeable at the moment on the surface of footpaths, which in some instances have lifted up to an inch.  This is not a problem as long as the footpath does not become uneven and cause a trip hazard.

The Department welcomes reports of potholes from members of the public, who are asked to call the Department on 686665 during office hours to report them.