Why Does Michigan Have So Many Potholes?

It's pothole season in Michigan and they are popping up everywhere across the state!

As a lifelong Michigander, I've had to foot the bill for many car repairs due to Michigan's pothole problem. Is it just me, or is Michigan more prone to potholes that other states?

Roads can deteriorate over time based on something called a 'freeze-thaw cycle' and these variations in temperature have been recorded by researchers. It turns out that Michigan is in the top three to five every year with the most freeze-thaw cycles. The more the concrete and other elements used in road construction are forced to expand and contract due to the temperature variations wreaks havoc on Michigan roads.

Another issue the state's roads face is not just the number of heavy trucks that travel our roads, but the generous limitations that Michigan offers as opposed to other states. According to Greg Brucks who serves the Van Buren County Road Commission as operations director, gross vehicle weight in other states caps out at around 80,000 pounds. However according to Brucks the limit in Michigan "is 164,000 pounds".

Here in Mid-Michigan we can see the results of the constant freeze-thaw cycles that impact our daily commutes. Driving home from work, I can't help but notice all the potholes in the southbound right lane of Dort Highway between Maple and Hill in Grand Blanc Township, and the giant pothole on Grand Blanc Road in Rankin.

Tell us about the potholes you have to contend with or roads you avoid altogether on our app.