Chicago experienced a wide temperature range last week, going from below zero on Monday to 61 on Saturday, with all forms of precipitation in between. These extreme changes cause potholes to form as concrete contracts and expands, and the city has seen no shortage of them in recent days. The Department of Transportation has logged nearly 1,000 potholes as of Monday, and commuters throughout the city are complaining of close calls and car damage.
They are everywhere, and appear overnight, and this season has experienced some of the worst in Chicago history. The Loop circle interchange and Michigan Ave. are two locations where potholes are especially prevalent. While driving on two-way neighborhood streets such as south Sacramento Blvd. over the past few days, I’ve noticed that the edges where the road meets the curb tend to be more damaged than the center lanes. Caution should also be taken when driving through underpasses or viaducts, as the water that gathers there lends to pothole formation.
Thomas Byrne, Chicago’s transportation commissioner, said that adjustments have been made in order to provide the city with 7-days-a-week street coverage, according to the Chicago Tribune. New technology using a computerized street map will help track crews and pinpoint potholes, improving efficiency.
Driving up Ogden Ave. from the Pulaski post office to Damen and 290 this evening, I braced myself for expected potholes, especially in the underpasses. They were everywhere last winter. I was surprised to not have encountered one on that particular stretch of road, so at least Streets and San is trying to catch up. So keep your heads up, drivers, and keep your eyes on the road.
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