The suspension test you didn’t ask for: The science behind notorious potholes

Crews filling a pothole in this undated file image. (Town of Innisfil)

Potholes: “The bane of every coffee-drinking commuter and the suspension test you didn’t ask for,” emphasizes the Town of Innisfil.

They’re more than just an annoyance; they’re the result of a familiar seasonal pattern that officials call the ‘freeze-thaw cycle.’

What causes potholes?

Water seeps into tiny cracks in the pavement during milder days, freezes overnight, and expands. That expansion widens the cracks, and as temperatures swing back and forth, the process repeats.

“Add traffic, and those cracks eventually develop into potholes,” say township officials.

According to the Town of Innisfil, road crews deal with this reality every winter across the region. Teams regularly patrol streets to spot emerging problem areas, recording and assessing potholes as they appear.

How are they prioritized?

Each one is prioritized based on safety risks, size, and location. “The good news is our crews are on the case,” says the town.

Officials note that high-risk potholes (especially those on busy roads or near intersections) are often repaired within days of being discovered, while less urgent spots may take longer to target.

“Cold and wet conditions make permanent repairs tricky in the winter,” notes officials. Frozen ground and fluctuating temperatures can prevent patches from bonding properly, meaning repairs may not last.

To keep roads safe, crews rely on temporary fixes during the chilly months, returning as needed until warmer weather allows for long-term solutions.

Innisfil officials report that thousands of potholes are filled, averaging around 2,500 annually, just to keep drivers moving safely from point A to point B.

To report a pothole, the Town of Innisfil asks that you call 705-436-3710.