Weather causing potholes

The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued a press release regarding potholes caused by sub-zero temperatures and near-record snowfall.

MDOT officials said weather conditions are leading directly to severe potholes across the state, putting further strain on pavement and the efforts MDOT crews have put forth filling potholes during the various freeze-thaw cycles.

The extreme pothole season on top of this winter’s heavy snowfall is taking its toll on the department’s maintenance budget, MDOT officials said.

The agency’s maintenance budget for this winter is $88 million, based on the five-year winter average. Due to the severe winter weather, it is expecting to exceed that budget by about $40 million.

The public is encouraged to report potholes they find on state roads to a link on the MDOT website.