Public Works
Public Works Blog
County crews on pothole patrol
Posted On: March 22, 2017
They’re annoying. They can be disruptive. And they seem to pop up overnight.
We’re talking about potholes.
The transition from winter to spring, a time that brings precipitation and lingering cold temperatures, oftentimes is when potholes become most noticeable on local roads.
But how does a pothole form?
It starts with water. Water can get under the pavement through cracks or from the side of the road. Over time, the water can cause the material under the pavement to erode, causing the pavement to sink down and break.
During winter, the water under the pavement freezes and then thaws -- oftentimes repeatedly. This cycle of contracting and expanding can cause the pavement to crack so that it deteriorates quickly under the weight of traffic. And then you have a pesky pothole.
In Chelan County, when you spot a pothole on a county roadway, you can go online to send a service request to Chelan County Public Works. Or call the office at 667-6415 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The County typically responds to pothole service calls within 48 hours. Crews use a polymer-modified cold asphalt that works in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. It requires no mixing and little heat. Crews first sweep the area, removing any loose asphalt, rock or debris. They may use a torch to heat up the area. They then fill the hole with the cold-patch asphalt and it’s compacted using a hand tamper or by driving over it with the service truck.
Remember, the county only takes care of potholes in the county right-of-way. Potholes in driveways or on private roads are the responsibility of the property owner. Potholes in the city limits are the responsiblity of the city's road department.
Older Articles
2018 road preservation project revs up
Posted On: May 03, 2018
The 2018 Road Preservation Program is underway throughout Chelan County. Read about the list of roadways in the preservation program this year....
Read More arrow_forwardLocal effort results in radar signs being installed at Leavenworth bridge
Posted On: December 27, 2017
A group of Leavenworth citizens, concerned about drivers speeding on the Icicle Road bridge, recently pooled its resources together to come up with a ...
Read More arrow_forwardHelping out your county snowplow operators this winter
Posted On: December 06, 2017
While snowplow operators are working hard to keep people safe on county roads, they need a little help from the traveling public. We’re passing along ...
Read More arrow_forwardSpeed Limits 101
Posted On: December 06, 2017
A common call we get at Chelan County Public Works is from frustrated residents who want to know what they can do about motorists driving over the spe...
Read More arrow_forwardPublic Works Equipment Roadeo winners headed to state competition
Posted On: September 27, 2017
Four Chelan County Public Works employees will represent the county when they compete next month for state honors at the Equipment Roadeo, an event of...
Read More arrow_forwardWho ya gonna call?
Posted On: July 24, 2017
Standing in Clear Creek recently with a portable charger strapped to his back, Gray Rand looked like he was searching for ghosts. But this senior scie...
Read More arrow_forwardSummer means it's road preservation time
Posted On: June 22, 2017
Have you checked the Public Works website to see which roads are scheduled for preservation – or chip sealing – work this summer? ...
Read More arrow_forwardWhat's a Small Quantity Generator?
Posted On: May 30, 2017
It's time for all Chelan County SQGs to register for the September household hazardous waste collection event. Register by Sept. 8....
Read More arrow_forwardFree mulch available at Chelan Transfer Station
Posted On: April 07, 2017
The brush yard at the Chelan Transfer Station has a HUGE surplus of mulch that it's offering up for free to local residents....
Read More arrow_forward5 tips to remember when visiting a drop-off recycling center
Posted On: March 24, 2017
We asked Chelan County Solid Waste Coordinator Brenda Blanchfield to share the most common mistakes solid waste crews see over and over again at drop-...
Read More arrow_forward