M
From The Cover
Why your pothole patching program is lagging and how to fix it By MICHAEL BLAKE | Director of Marketing, KM International
Every March it seems like every news outlet, both national and local, runs frontline coverage of the self-proclaimed “pothole pandemic.” This puts departments of transportation, road commissions and local public works departments in the limelight as fresh attention is drawn to these municipal agencies and what they are doing to fill potholes efficiently and effectively. As a Michigan manufacturer, KM International knows all too well the havoc the winter freeze-thaw cycle causes on road and highway systems. Potholes are everywhere, and unfortunately, most potholes filled on a Monday will reoccur again on Tuesday. Although pothole patching often falls under the job of a public works agencies’ duties, most agencies do not have the time, manpower, equipment or expertise to 10 THE MUNICIPAL | MAY 2022
make a long-term repair to these potholes. The past two years have been specifically difficult with a severe labor shortage and a rising cost in asphalt material. So, the question then becomes do municipals keep pothole patching in house or do they bid it out to local asphalt contractors? Looking at this choice objectively, there are benefits and drawbacks to each option here.
ABOVE: An asphalt hotbox will maintain asphalt temperatures for up to two days. (Photo provided)
To preface the following comparison, there are two important facts that, no matter your decision, need to be addressed. The first is the pothole repair process. The throw-and-go method used by 90% of municipalities will not be a long-term repair solution nor should it be thought of as the standard in the industry. What most municipals do not realize is that taking a couple extra minutes to prep the pothole by cleaning, drying and applying a tack coat, and then placing material and compacting it properly, will drastically increase your pothole patching success rate. The second important factor is material selection and application temperature. Hotmix asphalt should not be applied under 275F
