A large reflective sign warns drives to use a portion of Shaker Road in Westfield at their own risk after large potholes have been reported citywide. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Area residents dealing with one of the worst potholes seasons in recent history can expect relief as the local hot patch plants open to provide the material for permanent repairs of the roadway plague. Potholes are caused by the freeze-thaw cycle when snow and ice melt during the day, seep into cracks in the asphalt, then freeze and expand at night. That cycle causes scaling where section of asphalt separate from the base coat and deep potholes when develop when all layers of asphalt fail. The Palmer plant is now open, while the Lane plant on East Mountain Road, which is the city’s asphalt contractor, typically opens in early April. The city is purchasing $10,000 worth of hot asphalt from Palmer. Burke Brothers is the road repair contractor and they have now started repairs.
