Public Works Asking Residents to Clean Stormwater Catch Basins to Help Prevent Potholes

(KNSI) — St. Cloud public works is asking residents to please remember to clear stormwater catch basins to help prevent potholes and frozen service lines.

As Minnesota transitions from winter to spring, temperatures can swing wildly, causing thawing and refreezing cycles. The freeze/thaw cycles can result in street flooding due to blocked stormwater catch basins. It can also create potholes and freeze private water service lines.

A press release from the City of St. Cloud explains that potholes appear quickly during the transition from winter to spring due to the constant freeze-thaw cycles. The water will get into cracks in the roadway surface or even the soils below. When water freezes, it expands, and the asphalt will rise. When the frozen ground below the raised area melts, it will usually leave a gap, creating a weak spot in the roadway. As traffic passes over it, that portion of the road will weaken and can even break apart, creating a pothole.

They say public works crews are currently filling potholes with cold mix material, but they say cold mix is only good in the interim and is meant to be a temporary fix. It is not as effective long-term as hot mix material, but that is not available until mid-May when the asphalt plants open.

Residents can report potholes or any major standing water issues near storm catch basins on City streets by calling the Public Works Department at 320.650.2900 or sending an email to: publicworks@ci.stcloud.mn.us.

More information about potholes can be found by clicking here.

Residents are encouraged to clean the snow, ice, and any debris away from catch basins near their property to reduce flooding from occurring, as they are able. Find the nearest storm drain by clicking here and entering your address.

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