Potholes showing up earlier than normal, drivers voicing complaints

Jan 30, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Potholes are making an earlier than normal appearance on local highways and roads, much to the annoyance of drivers.

The dangerous depressions caused by the freeze/thaw cycle usually show up in late February or March, and not in January.

But the current mild weather, combined with cooler night time temperatures, have sped up the normal timelines.

Highway 97 between Vernon and Lake Country was a particularly bad stretch last week, with reports on social media saying several vehicles had their tires blown out and possible rim and suspension damage after driving over potholes.

“You literally need to dodge potholes all the way between Lake Country and Vernon. And they are almost impossible to see in the dark with the wet roads,” wrote one person on Facebook’s Vernon Rant and Rave.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

17h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

18h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

20h ago

“I drove to Lake Country last night in pouring rain and dark, and it was terrifying,” another person stated. “It was near impossible to see in the dark in the pouring rain, and there was multiple vehicles pulled over in either direction trying to change tires in the pouring rain and darkness which was even more treacherous for them and other drivers.”

Vernon Matters attempted to contact the highway maintenance contractor, AIM Roads, for comment on when repairs may be made to that highway, but their email contact was not working. However, drivers tell us repairs are being made on the Vernon to Lake Country section this week.

Around Vernon, Carolyn Baldridge, the city’s new communications and grants manager, told Vernon Matters, crews have been actively repairing potholes since early last week.

“Crews are out again today (Monday) and will be continuing throughout the week performing repairs as they are reported to the City or found by staff,” Baldridge said.

“It is important to remember, that during freeze/thaw cycles such as spring-like weather with melting and standing water, some repairs may only be temporary and require additional treatment,” Baldridge explained. “More permanent repairs will be made when weather allows. Each pothole is different so, a different repair technique or product may be used based on the situation or resources available.”

During the winter, crews primarily use a universal patching mixture to repair damaged roads but the ideal solution is to use a hot mix method that includes recycled asphalt.

“The hot mix method requires warmer and dryer conditions,” said Ian Adkins, manager of roads, drainage and airport. “We prefer this method but it’s not always possible in winter.”

The public is asked to report potholes in Vernon to the city’s operations department through the City of Vernon website.

32nd Street (Highway 97) and Highway 6 are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and are maintained by its contractor, AIM Roads.

Potholes on these two roads can be reported through AIM’s website, https://aim-roads.ca/

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments