Street crews are preparing for potholes
Above-freezing temperatures are in the forecast for the next few days. Because daytime thaws and overnight re-freezing can lead to the formation of potholes, Minneapolis street crews will continue to monitor street conditions and patch potholes.
There are up to three different road crews out each day placing temporary "cold patches" to potholes throughout town. They make temporary patches during the winter months so roads will be more drivable until permanent patches can be made during the regular road construction season. Also, since these are the same crews that do snow removal on city streets, their work is prioritized according to the weather and the biggest needs at a given time.
Since the start of January:
- More than 5,000 truckloads of snow have been removed from City streets. That’s in addition to the regular plowing efforts by Public Works.
- More than 200 tons of temporary asphalt mix, or cold patch, have been used to fix potholes.
- About 16,000 of the 20,000 corners in the City have been cleared of snow piles left after plowing.
City street crews must be flexible in the work they do each day. A street crew’s assignment may change from day to day—clearing snow one day and patching potholes the next—and most days, both kinds of work are being done around the city. Generally, street crews work Monday through Friday in two shifts: one daytime and one overnight, when traffic is lighter. In addition, a few crews work weekend shifts as well.
To report a pothole for repairs, drivers can call 311, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reports can also be made online. Public Works uses reports that come in from the public, as well as their observations in the field, to prioritize work and address street issues as efficiently and effectively as possible with the given resources.
Drivers should also be advised that Winter Parking Restrictions remain in effect for Minneapolis. These restrictions, which were put into effect Friday, Dec. 17, ensure reliable access for emergency vehicles after a record December snowfall. Winter Parking Restrictions will be in place until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier. Parking is allowed on both sides of Snow Emergency routes and parkways, and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency routes, unless otherwise posted and provided a Snow Emergency has NOT been declared. Drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed.
For more information on snow removal, go to Minneapolis Snow website
Published Feb. 11, 2011