Freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw, repeat.
Mother Natures' winter weather takes a toll on city infrastructure and streets.
February’s funny weather brought warm days to the city followed by bitter cold spells. This rapid cooling and warming cycle also stresses concrete and asphalt infrastructure, leading to more cracks in overpasses and potholes on roads.
When temperatures rise, ice and snow melt, sending water seeping into cracks and crevices of concrete or asphalt roads and the ground below. When temperatures fall below freezing, that water then freezes (expanding as it changes state) creating cracks and fissures, and wreaking havoc on the streets, underpasses and other concrete infrastructure.
The Street Maintenance Department maintains Livingston's seventy-one miles of streets and alleys. The City uses actual asphalt to repair potholes, which is only available seasonally. While cold patches can be applied in all weather conditions, they are not as effective.
Once the asphalt plants open in mid to late April, the City team will be out in the streets making permanent repairs. Until then, drivers are urged to slow down and avoid potholes, if possible. By doing so, you will save wear and tear on your vehicles and preserve the asphalt until the City can hot patch in the spring. Please call Public Works Department to report any potholes.
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