Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure crews are increasing their maintenance efforts as saturated roadbeds begin to thaw and pavement surfaces show the effects in the form of surface breaks, cracks and potholes.
"Roadbeds are saturated with moisture because of the excessive rainfall Saskatchewan experienced last year and the large spring runoff this year," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "Now, as the sub-surface of the roads have begun to thaw we're seeing some severe impacts. This year's flooding makes the problem even worse."
Potholes are formed from the expansion (freezing) and contraction (thawing) of water that has entered into the sub-surface of the road. As a result the pavement expands, bends or cracks and weakens the road.
Much of the damage is yet to come - as flood waters recede the full impact to highway side slopes, roadbeds and surfaces will be revealed.
"The province will be making repairs to the highway network, and we have crews, contractors, materials and equipment at the ready," Reiter said. "But it will also take time - time for the roadbeds to dry out, and time for our maintenance crews and contractors to get to all areas of the province in order to make long-term repairs."
Temporary repairs are currently underway throughout the province including filling potholes with base material or blading on asphalt patching material. However roadbeds must be dry before attempting long-term repairs or the repairs will not last and holes and surface breaks will soon re-appear.
Long-term repairs most often involve deep patching - digging deep into the roadbed, laying down geotechnical fabric for extra strength, filling in new base materials and repairing the surface. This work will be scheduled into spring and summer work plans for crews and contractors. Repairs are generally prioritized by highway classification - the most heavily-travelled highways will be scheduled first.
Flood preparation this spring included aggressive surveillance of problem areas, arranging for additional equipment and supplies to be ordered or on standby, assembling emergency repair trailers and re-deploying staff from drier areas.
For updates on highway conditions and construction and maintenance activity check the Highway Hotline online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or call toll-free throughout Saskatchewan at 1-888-335-7623.
