Pothole Repairs

Due to the amount of snow, ice, sleet and the extreme temperature swings we have experienced, potholes have appeared through out the area. The Public Works Department has started to patch as many potholes as they can.  Please note that potholes can not be patched until the weather warms enough and the ground thaws properly to accept the patch material.

In an attempt to repair as many potholes as possible, we ask that you contact the Public Works Department if you happen to spot a pothole that has not been filled in.  You can reach the Public Works Department at 708-458-2961, or by sending an email to publicworks@villageofjustice.org.

 

Pothole Information

 What Creates a Pothole?

 

Here is a cross section of a typical pavement.  The weight of each vehicle bends the pavement slightly.

 

 

 

Small Cracks form, first on the bottom of the asphalt because that gets stretched the most.  As the asphalt is fatigued cracks also form on the top surface.

 

 

 

Now water on the pavement from rain or melted snow gets into the cracks.  When the temperature drops the water freezes and expands, making the cracks deeper and wider.

 

 

With more precipitation, more freeze thaw cycles and the continued vehicle loading sooner or later the cracks go all the way through the pavement.  Now water can get underneath the surface.  When this subsurface water freezes and expands it pushes the pavement up and weakens it even more.  When the ice melts and contracts it leaves a space so we have a weakened pavement layer over a cavity.

 

 

All that is needed now is a good sized vehicle...and there's your pothole.