Heavy rainfall in recent months and the prediction of more weather activity in the second half of winter has Wagga Wagga City Council civil works crews on regular patrols for pothole repairs across the city.
The damage to local roads caused by the wet weather has been greater this year due to some above average rainfall in June and July.
This has also combined with the poor condition of bitumen seals and the quality of pavement material underneath.
Council’s Director Operations Warren Faulkner said the consistent prolonged rainfall will impact the integrity of the sealed road network, particularly those roads carrying high volumes of vehicles.
He said the surface water on the road is able to access the pavement and creates soft spots which ultimately develop into potholes as vehicles drive over them and “pump” out the material.
“It is one of Council’s ongoing challenges. Potholes are always a community concern, especially after long periods of wet weather because they are more noticeable,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Areas which experience high traffic flows are always worst affected and these are the areas where we concentrate our resources.
“We have patrols working along a 1200km network of local sealed roads to keep the repairs up. Council also relies on public feedback to identify where attention is required and we respond to that as soon as possible.”
Mr Faulkner said Council is continually pursuing funding opportunities to ensure more proactive and preventative maintenance.
“We need to improve the ‘waterproofing’ of our sealed roads by undertaking crack sealing, thus increasing the useful life of the pavement,” Mr Faulkner said.
Federal and State Government funding programs such as Local Roads and Communities Infrastructure, Roads to Recovery and Fixing Local Roads have provided funding towards significant road projects.
Lake Albert Road Stage 3, Kooringal Road and Pearson Street/Dobney Avenue have recently been funded for rehabilitation works, and the Reseal Program and Pavement Rehab Program allows Council to progress its road works program across the network.
Pothole and other road damage can be reported to Council through the Snap Send Solve app on their smart phone, through Council’s website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/servicerequests or by lodging a request through Customer Service at the Civic Centre or by calling 1300 292 442.
