Freeze-Thaw Cycles Kick Off Pothole Season in Arkansas
Key Highlights
- Freeze-thaw cycles following recent winter storms have accelerated pothole formation across Arkansas, particularly in urban areas like Little Rock.
- Transportation crews remain focused on snow and ice removal, with pothole repairs set to ramp up once storm response operations conclude.
- ARDOT and Little Rock Public Works are urging motorists to report potholes quickly to reduce vehicle damage and improve repair response times.
Arkansas is entering its annual pothole season following a winter storm that created the ideal conditions for pavement deterioration.
According to KATV, Little Rock Public Works officials said repeated freeze-thaw cycles accelerated pothole formation as water seeped into existing cracks during warmer periods and then expanded when temperatures dropped below freezing.
KARK reported that a large pothole on Interstate 440 in Little Rock damaged at least four vehicles before it was repaired by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) last Wednesday.
Little Rock Public Works officials and state transportation crews are currently focused on snow and ice removal operations and plans to shift attention to pothole repairs once storm-related work is completed, according to the news outlets.
ARDOT reported it is prepared to respond as pothole reports increase, while KATV noted that Little Rock Public Works will begin repairs after completing snow removal efforts.
In Little Rock, pothole repairs are typically completed within a few days of being reported, with an average response time of three days, according to KATV. Following major winter storms, response times may extend to four or five days.
ARDOT said its goal is to complete pothole repairs while minimizing traffic impacts and encouraged drivers to report roadway damage as soon as possible to prevent further vehicle damage, KARK reported.