CHARLESTON, W.Va. –State Division of Highways spokesperson Brent Walker says crews will be out patching potholes left behind by the recent bout of winter weather.
“Crews are going to be out there, look for them along the shoulder, we liked to set up work zones and get flashing lights and cones and all that but often times we’re on the shoulder, lights flashing and our guys are out there throwing them in the holes we can,” Walker said on MetroNews Midday Tuesday.
A winter storm in late January brought snow, ice and freezing rain, causing power outages and travel disruptions across the state.
Walker said crews are using a sticky mixture of cold asphalt, known as a cold patch, to temporarily fix potholes because hot asphalt is not readily available.
He said the warmer weather may be nice right now, but winter isn’t over yet.
“Our snow removal, ice control season is still in full swing, and so yes this warm weather does come at a good time for us, but underneath are those holes,” he said
Since crews can’t properly patch the potholes right now, they are ensuring their equipment is ready when temperatures get warmer and remain consistently warm.
“We’re mobilizing our larger equipment for this pothole season, where we have rollers, we’ve got skid steers, our mechanics are taking a look at that equipment, making sure it’s in good working order,” Walker said.