Spring is here, and city and county road crews are at work fixing potholes.  The fluctuating temperatures, lots of rainfall and aging pavement keeps all road crews busy fixing potholes and looking at other damage that has been done to our streets, roads and bridges.  During the early spring freezing and thawing cycles, moisture makes the asphalt or concrete material start to shift, buckle and fracture.

Vehicles that travel over these weakened areas can dislodge the pavement creating potholes.  Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman says when driving, to be cautious when trying to avoid the potholes.

He says when trying to avoid potholes to look for oncoming traffic and traffic that is behind you, workers trying to fix the potholes, and other people who are out.  The Iowa Department of Transportation says you should report any potholes or pavement failures on any interstate, numbered route and US Highway to the nearest maintenance manager and any county roads to the Secondary Roads Department.

If you should see a pothole within the city of Washington, you can contact the City Maintenance Department.