AMES, Iowa – Jan. 25, 2024 – The heavy snow and arctic temperatures we’ve experienced the past month seem to have passed for now, but with the recent fluctuating temperatures and ample moisture, you’re likely seeing potholes popping up. Potholes are mostly caused by moisture getting into or underneath the pavement. During freeze and thaw periods, moisture causes the asphalt or concrete to shift, buckle, or break. When vehicles drive over these weakened areas, leaving those dreaded potholes.

The Iowa Department of Transportation maintenance forces, as well as city and county crews, are patching potholes as quickly as they can using cold-mix asphalt. In many cases, it’s not a long-lasting solution but it improves your driving experience until the weather warms up enough to place a more permanent patch in the spring. Permanent patches use hot-mix asphalt or Portland cement concrete and work best when the temperatures are above freezing and stay that way. So this work is usually completed in the spring and summer. We are also proactive in the spring and summer, patching roads where we see significant cracking or deteriorated pavement, which can eventually lead to potholes.

To report potholes on streets or county roadways, contact the local city administrator/engineer or county engineer. You can report potholes on the interstates, Iowa numbered routes, and U.S. highways to the Iowa DOT’s maintenance manager located nearest the problem roadway. Go to this website to find that contact information.