Melfort city crews have been out trying to ensure water is draining properly. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Road conditions

City crews in Melfort dealing with freeze-thaw, pothole issues

Mar 14, 2024 | 1:00 PM

The recent snow and the freeze-thaw cycle have led to some challenges for city crews in Melfort.

Public Works Director Lydia Steffen told northeastNOW that employees have been trying to keep on top of the issues during this type of weather.

“It’s difficult for the public works crew to stay ahead of that freeze-thaw cycle, but they are…actively addressing concerns as fast as we can,” explained Steffen. “What we are currently doing is we are thawing catch basins and culverts to allow for adequate drainage.”

Before that, crews were out trying to clear ice in areas where they knew ice would be a problem.

The city can’t control the freezing, Steffen said, but if residents spot an issue with or concern about drainage, they can contact the city at 306-752-5911. Residents are also asked to keep drainage systems clear by not dumping any current or future snow on the road.

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Drainage isn’t the only issue arising on Melfort streets. The spring nemeses – potholes – are once again rearing their ugly heads.

If a pothole becomes a significant issue and a safety concern, crews will fill them this time of year with a cold-mix asphalt patch. Steffen said winter is not the ideal time for fixing potholes, but repairs have to be made to ensure traffic safety and road integrity.

Cold-mix asphalt “has a short life expectancy, and it is considered temporary repairs until the weather warms up (to do a hot-mix repair),” said Steffen.

She added the city tries to limit the number of cold-mix repairs done as they are just temporary, but they will fix potholes that are considered a hazard.

Residents can contact the city should they see a pothole that is a safety issue.

Steffen said repairing potholes can seem like playing Whack-a-Mole, where they fix one and another seems to pop up somewhere else.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK

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