The Maine winter continues, and we are up to 22 storms/plowing events so far this winter. In addition to the storms, Public Services has dealt with 40 recall events and removed approximately 21,900 yards of snow from the streets on 33 different occasions.

The 2007-08 winter snowfall to date is now at 97 inches. In addition to the snowfall, we have received well over 6 inches of rain.

This season has been very busy and is not over. March is typically one of the snowiest months of the year. So far this year we are well above the average snowfall for our area of 66 inches and well beyond the budgeted average of 13 plowing events.

Needless to say with the number of rain and snow storms combined with above freezing temperatures during the day and below freezing temperatures at night the “pot hole” season has arrived a month ahead of schedule. Typically the worst time of year for pot holes occurs in mid to late March. However, on several streets the pot holes have become a problem and get larger as the freeze/thaw cycle continues.

The frequency of rain and snow storms have made the problem more difficult to deal with. It seems that we have had some sort of precipitation every three to five days since the beginning of December.

So after the holes are filled with cold patch, the material is washed out of the hole by melting snow or rain water, and the same hole needs to be refilled as often as three or four times a week.

Unfortunately, other than a cold patch material, there is not a permanent patch available to fill the pot holes during the winter months. Crews will repair the pot holes with a hot mix when the material becomes available this spring. Full width shim/overlays on several streets will be considered to help prevent the pot hole problem next year in the worst areas.

The severe problem areas Public Services will be repairing this summer include sections of Spring Street, Cumberland Street, Brook Street and Saco Street.

Please bear with us. Warmer and drier weather is ahead.