Mother nature decided to give us a break from the snow and temperatures are starting to rise slightly.  This allowed for more favorable conditions to fill potholes. Public Works personnel used 7 tons of cold mix and over 130 tons of hot mix material to fill potholes this week.  Yes, you read that correctly - hot mix was used.  Some local asphalt facilities are starting to open this week. That means the material will stay in the potholes for a much longer period of time than when the cold mix material is used. 

There were four pothole crews out throughout the City and two spray patchers.  The main focus of the week was filling the larger and deeper potholes - with the majority of the work being done on the higher speed, higher traffic count roadways and the construction detour routes.  

Thus far, the forecast for next week is looking fairly dry with temperatures reaching the high 50's.  The plan is to do much of the same next week and have four pothole crews out, along with two spray patchers.  

The weather continues to not be helping out in regards to road maintenance activities.  There is a significant amount of potholes in St. Cloud and all throughout the Midwest.  This is due to the extended winter season, extreme precipitation numbers (2022-23 became the snowiest season on record this weekend) and the numerous freeze/thaw cycles that occurred throughout the season.

The cold mix that Public Works uses to fill potholes during the colder temperatures is only temporary, sometimes it only lasts days.  This is because it is a soft material and is easily removed by snow plows and/or traffic.  The best product to use is a hot mix material. For longer lasting results, it is best to apply the product when the road surfaces are dry and outside temperatures are at least between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  The hot mix material is available when the asphalt plants open up, which is typically early to mid-May.

The wet and cold conditions last week reduced the amount of potholes filled/patched by Public Works.  It looks like we may have two, maybe three dry days, to address potholes until the rain comes the later part of the week. Staff are currently focusing efforts on patching potholes on high traffic roadways.  In addition to filling potholes, Public Works personnel are street sweeping arterial roadways.

Residents are encouraged to continue to report potholes by using the email address publicworks@ci.stcloud.mn.us or by calling 320-650-2900 during normal working hours and 320-650-2949 if reporting after hours.  All reported potholes will be added to the list. 

View this blog post, or visit the Engineering Department's Road Construction page for a map with daily updates of all current road closures in St. Cloud. 

Visit the interactive map to see all current road closures in St. Cloud. 

Visit the Engineering Department's Road Construction Project page.