Lloydminster is asking for cooperation and patience as it tackles a yearly problem; potholes and frost heaves. An exceptional number of spring potholes and frost heaves have appeared on local streets and alleyways, which crews will soon work to repair.
Each spring, the city’s Roadway Services team inspects roads and alleys to document problem areas. In recent weeks, staff have noted an above-average number of areas in need of repair. Director of transportation services, Bill Henning, asks that drivers and motorists be extra careful while the city tackles these problems.
“At this time, we are asking drivers to be extra vigilant as we work to repair problem areas on a priority basis. In coming weeks, people are likely to notice a number of roadway worksites throughout the city and we are asking for the cooperation and patience of local drivers as we work to improve conditions as quickly as possible,” says Henning
Potholes happen when water seeps beneath the pavement and as the water becomes ice and expands, forcing the pavement to rise. Frost heaves are caused by an upward swelling of soil during freezing conditions as ice grows toward the surface. Excessive moisture for the Lloydminster area in late fall 2018, followed by long stretches of extreme cold during the winter, probably contributed to a larger number of local frost heaves.
The city says that repairing frost heaves is usually a more invasive process than repairing potholes. To properly repair a frost heave, crews must dig down to the subsoil beneath the roadway, resulting in temporary lane closures or detour routes. Residents may report potholes and other roadway issues through the city’s Report a Concern page at www.lloydminster.ca/reportaconcern, clicking through to the ‘Road, Street, Trails or Sidewalk Issue’ menu.