More than 700 potholes have been repaired in North Tyneside as part of a rapid response to road problems caused by the winter weather.
North Tyneside Council – like all local authorities across the country – has received reports from residents and motorists about the increase in potholes on roads across the borough.
Almost 900 were identified – more than double the usual amount – following the extreme cold conditions and heavy rainfall, which has caused potholes to form in the roads.
The local authority has already fixed 700 of them and highways teams continue to inspect and repair any damage.
Road condition surveys using a specialist highway scanning vehicle identify any longer term structural impact on the road network. This will help determine road resurfacing priorities in 2018.
Speaking about the work, Paul Hanson, deputy chief executive of North Tyneside Council, said: “Maintaining our roads for the benefit of motorists, public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians is one of our top priorities.
“We have experienced a prolonged spell of adverse wintery weather and residents will have seen first-hand the damage it has caused to our roads.
“In response to the damage and increased reports from motorists, we significantly increased the number of road inspections immediately after the snow cleared and we are pleased so many potholes have now been repaired
“Like all local authorities throughout the country, because of the unprecedented numbers of potholes, we need to prioritise our response and repair the major traffic routes first and then concentrate on the quieter roads.
“We know there’s more to fix and this work is always on-going. We are identifying around 140 a week and fixing them all within 10 days, unless an urgent repair is needed, and over 70 road resurfacing projects are planned for this year.
“We’d like to thank residents who have reported issues to us and ask them to continue to do so.”
During cold weather, potholes are more likely to develop. Rainwater gets into any cracks in the road. When it freezes, it expands, causing the surface to rupture. When the ice melts, it leaves a gap below, which collapses when cars drive over it. This causes the pothole.
A pothole will be repaired if it is greater than 40mm deep and can be reported via the council website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk. Alternatively email: roads@northtyneside.gov.uk or TEL: (0191) 643 8515.
People should provide as much information as possible about the problem and a specific location.
A video explaining how North Tyneside Council’s highways team look after and improve roads and pavements in the borough can be found here: highways and pavements.