Pothole Repair Starts Early in Metro

The pothole problem should be improved greatly in the coming weeks. The hot asphalt plant in St. Paul is opening a few weeks early due to this year's poor road conditions.

Opening the plant now means crews can use a special asphalt grade that is produced at a higher temperature, which makes for a stronger bond with the road surface: the better the bond, the more durable the patch.

Public works crews won't be the only ones lining up for asphalt, however. Other public works agencies around the metro area can purchase asphalt as well.

According to mnDOT, the combination of aging roads, a bad freeze and thaw cycle, plus heavy traffic have made this season a tough one.

Crews are working throughout the metro to fix the potholes, and doing what they can to minimize traffic delays.

You'll see repair work picking up across the metro in March. Many people are ready for the relief. Potholes cost drivers an estimated $67 billion per year.

MnDOT has set up a hotline to report problems on state highways and interstates, just call 651-582-1550.