Potholes

Creation of Potholes

The most common cause of potholes is the freeze-and-thaw cycle during the winter and spring seasons. Ice and snow melts during the day, filling cracks in the roadway with water. At night the water freezes and expands, popping out the asphalt. Once there is a weak spot, every car that travels over it worsens the problem, and eventually a section of the material will fail – resulting in potholes. 

Repairs

When the City of Owatonna receives a pothole report, the area in need of repair is added to a work order list that is monitored by Street Division Staff. In most cases, pothole repairs are completed systematically as the patching crew works through town. Working in street sections allows for greater efficiency as opposed to spot-fixing each pothole as the report is received. Because of this approach, reports received may appear to be outstanding for an extended period of time, this is to be expected. Please be assured that your report will be addressed when crews are in the area. Severe potholes are patched immediately if deemed appropriate.

The type of repairs made depends on the time of year. 

Winter 

During the winter months, potholes are patched with a winter mix, sometimes referred to as cold patch. These patches tend to be considered temporary as the material softens and can pop out after time and regular vehicle traffic. 

Late Spring/Summer

Permanent patches are completed with a mix referred to as “hot mix”. This mix is not typically available until May. This mix is the same type of asphalt used in the reconstruction and repair of City streets. The installation process includes heating the material, placing it in the pothole, and then quickly setting. 

More information regarding larger projects such as reconstruction, mill and overlay, or the annual Seal Coat Project may be found under Engineering Projects.

Report a Pothole

To report potholes, please call the Public Works Department at 507-444-4350 or submit an online SeeClickFix ticket using Report a Concern.

File a claim  

To file a claim with the City’s insurance for damage believed to be caused by a pothole, please contact Jeanette in Administration at 507.444.4300.