BRATTLEBORO — The Department of Public Works is asking for patience from motorists as they deal with a rash of potholes this month on the town's roads.
“This has been a very difficult winter for many roadways in Brattleboro,” the DPW wrote in a news release. “We have experienced multiple freeze/thaw cycles that have deteriorated the roadways and made maintenance a challenge.”
Potholes are formed when the road surface fails, introducing water that weakens the soil beneath the pavement. Traffic applies loads to the roadway that stress the pavement past the breaking point.
The DPW's Highway Department monitors all the roadways in town, and they say work orders are issued when their crews identify potholes or receive reports from motorists.
“The town has a responsibility to protect public safety and make every attempt to patch and repair the holes in the roadways,” the DPW wrote, adding that its crews used 15 tons of patching material to fix the largest potholes in the first week of February.
While the DPW says it “is doing everything possible to repair potholes as soon as they are identified, drivers are advised to use caution while driving.”
To report a pothole, or if there are any questions or concerns about road conditions, contact the Brattleboro Department of Public Works at 802-254-4255.