What causes potholes?

Potholes occur as the result of melting ice and snow. The melting water drains under the pavement through cracks caused by traffic. As the temperatures begin freezing at night, the water becomes ice and expands under the pavement, forcing the pavement to lift.

As traffic continues to drive over this section of road and the temperatures rise above freezing, a shallow divot occurs under the road and the pavement breaks. A pothole is formed as a result.  See diagram below.

MDOT_birthofPOTHOLE_91772_7

Show All Answers

1. How do I submit a service request?
2. Where does the Road Commission get its operating funds?
3. Does increased driving mean more gas tax revenue?
4. What causes potholes?
5. My vehicle was damaged due to the condition of a road - is the Road Commission going to pay for it?
6. How can I get my road paved?
7. Can I fill in the ditch and plant trees in front of my property?
8. Why do you spread all that tar and gravel on the paved roads? There was nothing wrong with the road and now it is a mess?
9. How can I get my gravel road graded?
10. How can I get chloride applied to my gravel road?
11. Why is my road always the last one plowed after a snowstorm?
12. Why do the snow plows push the snow back into my driveway after I shovel?
13. What should be kept in mind when shoveling/plowing driveways?
14. A road commission snow plow knocked down my mailbox, what now?
15. What are weight restrictions?
16. Is the Muskegon County Road Commission responsible for state highways?
17. The street light is out by my house, who do I call?