Springfield is buzzing, not with politics for once, but with the heavy drone of machinery as Illinois' Department of Transportation (IDOT) crews hit the streets to battle the perennial nemesis of drivers: potholes. According to a recent announcement from the state department, maintenance workers are patrolling and plugging holes that have sprung up across state highways and interstates. The work is critical and ongoing, with the state urging motorists to exercise caution and patience.
Using caution, including reducing speed and moving over, is not just a courtesy in this instance, according to Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, "Potholes, unfortunately, can be anticipated to form as a result of the weather patterns at this time of year. We will be doing our best to make repairs as they develop, but we ask for your cooperation as well to ensure everyone's safety." He reminded that these patching operations are indeed work zones and the orange IDOT trucks are hard to miss if you're paying attention. Temperatures that have yo-yoed from balmy to biting paired with snow and rain have turned roads into obstacle courses, exacerbating the problem and necessitating the repair blitz.
Driving in Illinois has become a bit like navigating a minefield, with potholes lurking to wreak havoc on suspensions and alignments. The formation process of these menacing road hazards is well known: moisture seeps into the pavement cracks, then expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures, causing asphalt or concrete to crack, buckle or break. Add in the weight and force of vehicles passing over these spots, and voila, the unwelcome pothole is born. IDOT crews are patching up these trouble spots, requiring temporary lane closures and to the dismay of hurried commuters, slow-moving traffic. Motorists are advised to add some time to their journeys if they're heading through the affected zones.
The state's pledge to speedy pothole repairs is emphatic, as IDOT's maintenance staff—when not preoccupied with snow or ice—are on pothole patrol. Nonetheless, brief lane closures are an unfortunate yet necessary inconvenience as part of the repair process. Drivers are reminded to heed the workers and their flashing orange battalions, as slowing down and moving over when approaching them isn't a choice, it's the law. Undergoing for patching, the roads are expected to experience "brief lane closures," as IDOT works to remedy the bumpy situation.
Complaints or reports of new potholes can be directed to IDOT at 1-800-452-IDOT (4368). Meanwhile, for those keen on the science behind the pothole phenomenon or updates on road conditions, IDOT has resources available on its YouTube channel and website, www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You can also hit up their Facebook and Twitter for the latest roadwork news and updates.
