According to the Swedish Transport Administration, it is a “waste of both time and money” to repair the road when it is cold. But staff are on site and fill the holes with a strong material several times a day.
– It is not possible to pave when the temperatures are so low, says Trafikverket’s press manager Bengt Olsson.
The authority urges motorists to take it easy as potholes can appear quickly and suddenly.
Temperature differences the cause
When the temperature moves between minus and plus degrees, the water expands and decreases in volume under the asphalt, which creates voids under the road surface.
– When a vehicle drives there, the asphalt gives way.
Hard to see
Potholes can be difficult to see, especially when there is snow and ice on the roads. The winter road team generally places high demands on the person sitting behind the wheel, says Bengt Olsson.
– You have to take it seriously. Keep a margin for the car in front and try to always have a span forward on the road and to the side, where it can move wildly.