How potholes form and how they’re fixed

April 12, 2018 4:17 PM

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Winter’s frost may be behind us, but with the arrival of spring comes another burden: potholes.

The swinging temperatures of early spring can traditionally wreak havoc on LI roads, sending highway crews scrambling as little craters emerge.

Here are the basics on how potholes form — and how they’re fixed.

How they’re formed

Water seeps through the cracks in the pavement and penetrates into the soil under the roadway.

Water freezes and expands, forcing the asphalt surface up and fracturing it.

Cars and trucks pass over the weakened surface, which collapses, creating a pothole.

Square the pothole edges as much as possible using a chisel or hammer.

Pour the repair material into the hole (overfill about 2-to-3 inches above the asphalt).

Compact the repair material with a tamper until a firm surface is achieved.

–Graphics by Rod Eyer