Wild January temperature swings create prime conditions for potholes<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
(January 23, 2017) – Temperatures fluctuating above and below freezing the past few weeks have created prime conditions for potholes forming on Indiana roadways. <\/p>\n
To deal with potholes in the most aggressive and efficient manner, the Indiana Department of Transportation will allow crews throughout the state to close travel lanes when and where necessary during daytime hours, including during peak travel times for priority repairs. <\/p>\n
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Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours and try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic in the peak direction during peak times. However, motorists may encounter maintenance crews making priority repairs any time of the day or night.<\/p>\n
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Give them room<\/strong><\/p>\nMotorists are more likely to encounter workers making road repairs. INDOT makes pothole patching a top priority between snow and ice events. Please be alert while behind the wheel, slow down, and give highway workers safe space to do their jobs. Increase your following distance so you have more time to stop or slow down in a pothole repair zone.<\/p>\n
INDOT urges motorists to slow down and stay alert when encountering pothole-patching crews.<\/p>\n
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How a pothole forms<\/strong><\/p>\nCracks develop in pavement from traffic wear and winter freeze-thaw cycles. Potholes begin when water seeps into these cracks and freezes, expanding the layers of pavement, stone and soil. As the ice melts and contracts, heavy highway traffic further loosens the pavement, forming potholes. To learn more, view this video:<\/p>\n
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