SALT LAKE CITY — Winter and potholes go hand in hand, but this year, Utahns may see more of both. So the Utah Department of Transportation is weighing in how potholes form and how they are fixed. 

Because of this year’s record-breaking snow, potholes are plentiful in Utah. And UDOT Spokesman John Gleason said they can happen anywhere — from freeways to frontage and local roads. 

“Unfortunately living in Utah, potholes are a fact of life because of the weather that we see here,” said Gleason. 

Essentially, a crack in the road creates an opportunity for water to settle in the pavement, freeze and then thaw. The result? A dreaded pothole. 

Although they can happen on any road, they more frequently appear on older roads and surfaces. 

So when will Utah potholes be fixed?

A dry surface is necessary to fill in a pothole. Right now in Utah, that variable doesn’t come often enough. 

“Generally speaking, when you’re putting in a permanent fix you want the temperatures to be warmer and dry,” said Gleason. A temporary fix will only last a few months. 

Gleason acknowledges potholes are not only an annoyance but also a safety concern. When possible, he said it’s safest not to swerve into other lanes. That, and reducing speed are the easiest precautions to take. 

“Also, let us know about potholes right away,” said Gleason. “We have an app. The ‘UDOT click and fix‘ app where you can drop a pin, let us know where the potholes are located and if it is on our roads we will go out there and address those potholes. 

Related reading

• Potholes getting on your nerves? UDOT’s new app can help
• Avalanche reported in Big Cottonwood Canyon