How many potholes does Salt Lake City repair every year?

We fill at least 18,000 potholes every year.

Salt Lake City fills an average of 70 potholes per day throughout the whole year. The heaviest pothole seasons are winter and spring.

What causes potholes to occur?

Water seeping into cracks loosens the asphalt allowing movement to occur. During the winter, the water freezes at night, which causes expansion and allows more movement. The pressure of vehicles driving over the asphalt increases the movement even more. This cycle of movement and pressure eventually leads to the loose asphalt popping out causing a pothole.

Is there anything Salt Lake City does to prevent potholes?

The largest preventative measure we have is our crack seal program to close up the cracks. We also overlay and repave streets every year.

Construction projects are performed in the spring, summer, and fall. If there is an emergency or utility work done during the snow season, the contractor will put down a temporary fill and are required to fix it properly in the spring.

What goes into the formula for filling potholes?

To permanently fill potholes, we use an emulsified asphalt tack that bonds with the pavement. We cannot use this during the winter because it cannot come into contact with water or freeze before it is applied. Also, if the ground is wet, tack will not bond properly with the pavement.

Therefore, we use two types of asphalt: Winter Cold Mix or Summer Hot mix.

Winter Cold Mix is a cold temporary asphalt, aggregate, and oil.

Summer Hot mix is permanent used in the warm weather. This works permanently when the holes are tacked, squared out, and properly compacted.

Why do we get more potholes some years and not others?

Some years are more wet and cold than others. The freeze thaw cycle causes most of the potholes. The more it freezes and thaws the more the water can seep into cracks and expand during freezing causing the road to move and actually pop out of its original shape. Just like putting a pop can in the freezer. Also, if heavy equipment is driven over pavement it makes the cracked brittle asphalt buckle and to pop out.

 Salt Lake City has one of the worst freeze thaw cycles in the continental United States.

What should citizens do if they see a pothole?

Click here for the Pothole Contact Phone Number List. It is very helpful if you report spotted potholes by calling us if the pothole is in Salt Lake City or by calling the city where the pothole is located. We rely on our crews driving around and citizen calls to know where the potholes are.

What is the average response time to fix potholes?

Salt Lake City responds within two working days after receiving notification. If a citizen reports that the pothole is dangerous or is causing problems for traffic, we will respond immediately.