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Unusual winter worsens Summerland potholes

Precipitation and weather patterns contribute to new potholes
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As temperatures continue to warm, motorists in Summerland are notticing potholes on streets in the community. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

It’s been a rough ride as motorists have discovered new potholes on Summerland streets.

Graham Statt, Summerland’s chief administrative officer, said the public works department has received numerous calls about potholes on streets in the community. In addition, notices have been posted to community-based Facebook groups.

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While potholes appear each year as the snow melts, this year’s potholes are more noticeable because of the weather conditions during the winter.

The freeze/thaw cycle, with temperatures below and then above freezing, plays a factor in the creation of potholes. Additional precipitation also contributes to the formation of potholes. This winter, heavy snowfall came in December, and temperatures have fluctuated between unseasonably warm and unseasonably cold winter weather.

“The extent of these potholes is something a lot of jurisdictions are experiencing,” Statt said.

At present, crews can fill the potholes with gravel or with a cold mix as a temporary solution. Later, in February and early March, hot asphalt can be used to patch the potholes. At this time of year the hot asphalt plant is not operating, he said.

Those who want to report potholes to Summerland municipal staff are asked to call the public works department at 250-494-0431 or email works&infrastructure@summerland.ca.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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