Pothole repairs

The City of Dieppe wishes to inform its residents that the Public Works and Engineering Department is starting temporary repairs on potholes found on municipal streets.

Pothole repairs will be our road crews’ priority over the next two months except during periods when snow removal is necessary. However, weather conditions do not allow the asphalt to adhere as permanently as it does during summer months. Permanent repairs will begin in May when asphalt plants begin offering hot mix asphalt again.

Potholes are caused by of a series of events that occur on the surface of a road. Here is an outline of what happens:

1. A crack appears in the asphalt, resulting in a break of water-tightness. 
2. The water penetrates the asphalt and gets caught underneath.
3. During sub-zero temperatures, the water that penetrated will freeze, which causes increased pressure on the asphalt.
4. When the ice thaws, it creates a cavity under the asphalt. The pavement returns to its original shape but loses strength. The higher the number of freeze-thaw cycles, the more likely that potholes will form. 
5. The pavement is weakened by the repeated passing and weight of vehicles.  
6. The pavement weakens and falls apart, thus creating “potholes.”

The recent freeze-thaw cycles we have experienced have weakened the pavement, which explains the numerous potholes we currently have on our streets. The City of Dieppe wishes to thank its residents for their patience and collaboration, and also reminds motorists to continue using caution and reduce their speeds.

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