SHA Prepares to Fill Potholes that the Snow and Ice Left Behind           
          
March 25, 2009 – Just when you think it’s over, Old Man Winter gives you one last reminder of his power and presence – potholes! But never fear, crews at the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) are gearing up to fill potholes that have result from winter weather. SHA will make every effort to respond and fix potholes within 24 hours of a problem being reported.          
          
Potholes develop when water from rain and snow seeps below the road surface, freezes, and expands. The ice below pushes the pavement upward while the traffic above further stresses the roadway. When the ice thaws, the pavement collapses into the hole and continuing traffic chips away at the pothole edges, making it even larger.           
          
Unlike large sinkholes, which form when there are empty pockets in the soil and rock below the road’s surface, potholes are easily repaired because they are shallow holes in the surface of the road. During winter months, SHA actively patrols for potholes, using a temporary “cold patch” until warmer weather when a permanent repair can be made.           
          
“Potholes are ‘road enemy number one’ for car alignments and tires,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “SHA crews patrol state highways to fill them as soon as possible, restoring a smooth ride.”           
          
Annually, SHA spends an estimated $2 million for pothole patching, repairing approximately 42,000 square yards statewide, which is equivalent to about eight football fields.           
          
SHA crews maintain approximately 17,000 miles of state highways – the non-toll numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties (including interstate, US and MD routes). To report a pothole, contact your local SHA maintenance shop (see attached list for contact information). For more information on potholes, please visit SHA’s website at www.marylandsroads.com.           
          
In repairing potholes, SHA crews may conduct mobile operations. SHA encourages all motorists to Choose Safety for Life and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. More information about the Choose Safety for Life Campaign can be found at www.choosesafetyforlife.com           
###