One of many potholes in the city of Marquette. (Journal photo by Annie Lippert)

MARQUETTE — The recent warm-up has done wonders in clearing ice and snow off of roadways. However, in the place of snow a new foe for drivers has emerged: potholes.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, “Potholes are created when snow and ice melt as part of Michigan’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. When moisture seeps into the pavement and freezes, it causes the ground to expand and push the pavement up creating a gap.

“As temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal level creating a void or gap between the pavement and ground below it. When vehicles drive over the gap, the pavement weakens leading to a pothole.”

The intermittent warm-ups the U.P. has seen over the past few weeks has created plenty of opportunities for this cycle to repeat itself.

“The preexisting road condition, age of the road, drainage and traffic volume are also contributing factors,” said Scott Cambensy, director of the city of Marquette’s Public Works Department.

That’s why some roads are completely clear, while others more resemble swiss cheese.

“We know that potholing at this time of year is truly just a band-aid, not a long-term solution, and we will be back to fill it again in the spring if not sooner,” said Cambensy.

While temperatures are still fluctuating, filled potholes are at risk of re-opening.

“Ideally potholes are filled under dry conditions when the weather is warmer, as they have a better chance of being a little longer-lasting solution,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have to fill potholes in less-than-ideal conditions of winter out of necessity to make our best effort to keep the roads safe and drivable.

“Each freeze-thaw cycle brings back most of the existing potholes plus a few new potholes. The solution to potholes isn’t to keep filling them, it is to prevent them with other heavy maintenance activities and when the lifecycle of the road is complete to reconstruct the road. Most of the areas that have a high volume of potholes are areas slated for reconstruction or other heavy maintenance that has been deferred.”

Keeping up with potholes is difficult this time of year, and is taken on by several organizations throughout the county.

“Who fills the potholes depends on who has jurisdiction over the particular road,” said Cambensy. “Most cities, such as the city of Marquette, maintain their own roads. Most townships opt to turn over their maintenance funds to the County Road Commissions. While the State does have some maintenance facilities in the UP, locally they choose to contract for services from the Marquette County Road Commission. The state also contracts with the city of Marquette for plowing the two miles south of US-41 on South McClellan.”

If drivers see or hit a pothole, they can reach out to the Department of Public Works.

“While we have a pretty good idea where we will see potholes based on the overall condition of the roads, we don’t necessarily see all of them as we have just over 90 centerline miles of road to maintain,” said Cambensy. “Motorists can report potholes to the DPW by calling 906-228-0444.”

With another hard freeze coming this week and consistently warm temperatures far-off on the horizon, pothole season is only just beginning.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.