Only having lived in the city limits for the past few years, potholes have only recently become the bane of my existence. However, gradually I’ve worked my way up to a fourth degree black belt in pothole dodging much to the appreciation of my new set of tires. Others have not been so lucky. Many tires, wheels, shocks, and springs will be sacrificed to the asphalt before this winter is over.
But many of you are asking, what can be done about this situation? Brian Fahrendholz, the city’s field services supervisor, reports that during any decent weather there are two crews dispatched to repair potholes. Last year the number of potholes filled was 27, 533, and with snow still on the ground it is hard to see many of the ones that have formed. Many would blame the city for potholes plaguing the street, but it all comes down to geology. Water penetrates the surface of the asphalt and when it freezes it takes up more space than it does in its liquid state. Then, when it thaws there is a space left open, leaving a crack. Over a cycle of freeze thaw periods, and weight from vehicles passing over the weakened area, you have a perfect pothole. My father taught science for 32 years at Sergeant Bluff High School so I picked up bits of information here and there.
So be careful out there my fellow pothole ninjas. And if you see a crew out there filling potholes, slow down, and give them a tip of your hat for trying to keep your suspension intact.
To report a pothole call field services at 279-6888 or go to www.sioux-city.org and click on “report a pothole” in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
-Lindsay Washburn, Social Media Intern
