Pothole Problem

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Created on Wednesday, 19 March 2014 17:46

Written by Matthew Drew

NORTHEAST KINGDOM - Pothole season has arrived and just like in past years many drivers wonder when these potholes will be filled. It's already been causing drivers problems and more importantly, money.

 Greg Gervais, owner of Greg's Auto in Lyndonville tells us that he's been pretty busy.

"I'd say this year has been probably worse than last couple of years," said Gervais. "We are definitely seeing a lot of business from the bad roads that we have."

Since the Northeast Kingdom has seen over 30 days of below freezing temperatures, officials say it's been extremely difficult to head out and fix the potholes. Many cars suspension components can handle the rough roads, but as cars age, they become more delicate. Local Driver Rayanne Mello explains how the roads have effected her.

"They are horrible. A lot of potholes are hard to avoid. Yeah the other day I hit one and thought my car was going to fall apart," said Mello. "I really did. Some of them are really bad and really deep and just monstrous," Mello said. 

Vermont Transportation, or V-Trans, has been able to go out and fix a few them. Crews from V-Trans are waiting for warmer temperatures and Bob Gallant, a V-Trans driver tells us why.

"We try to have temperatures of hopefully at least in the teens fin to higher, a lot of the potholes have water in them," said Gallant. "It gives us a chance to get some of the water, ice, and snow out of potholes before we try to fill them."

He urges drivers to slow down when they see V-Trans officials working, as they are doing their very best to make the roads as safe as possible.