Douglas County works to improve winter damaged roads
Submitted by editor on Fri, 01/13/2017 - 10:12am
MINDEN — With two months of extreme freeze-thaw cycles with above average moisture in Douglas County, many of the roads such as Jacks Valley and Waterloo Lane have experienced an increase in potholes.
Furthermore, the recent flooding has caused shoulder erosion on areas of Genoa Lane, Mottsville Lane, and Centerville Lane. Douglas County is encouraging residents to drive with precaution especially when driving over roads covered in water.
The freeze-thaw temperatures we have experienced through this winter causes pavement cracks and previously filled potholes to break apart and raise, allowing water to enter the sub-pavement. The older paved roads where temperatures frequently fluctuate above and below 32 degrees (F) can be particularly affected. Snow and flooding conditions, heavy trucks and snow plows then break away the raised areas causing the pot holes.
Flood cleanup and repair, and snow removal have been the main focus for our road crews this week. Pothole repair will start as soon as possible on all county roads depending on several factors including severity, weather and work load priority.
Here’s what you can do to avoid pothole and or damage to your car:
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
• Leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle so you have time to safely avoid potholes and crashes.
• If you cannot avoid hitting a pothole, slow down instead of braking as you approach a pothole. Braking actually causes more damage in a pothole situation.
• When driving over a pothole, hold the steering wheel firmly to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Use caution and drive slowly when driving over a puddle or through the snow, which may be hiding deep potholes.
We encourage residents to monitor their speed and watch for unsafe driving conditions.
Please use caution and follow flagger’s instructions during the repair work zone.
Jacks Valley Road is scheduled to be fully reconstructed late spring between Genoa Lane and the Upper James Canyon Loop.
