Shakespeare’s Jeremy Witzel explains challenges of pothole season

Stratford manager of public works Jeremy Witzel draws on his rural roots growing up east of Shakespeare as he works with city staff to keep local roads safe throughout the year. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Jeremy Witzel, a Shakespeare-area resident and Stratford’s manager of public works, is working to keep city streets, sidewalks and roads in safe condition as crews deal with the annual challenge of pothole season.

According to Witzel, potholes rarely appear suddenly but instead develop over time as weather conditions weaken pavement.

“Potholes almost never start as potholes,” Witzel said. “They usually begin as tiny cracks with open joints, worn edges or utility cuts.”

Water from melting snow or rain can seep into those small openings, working its way into the asphalt and road base below. As temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, sometimes within the same day, the freeze-thaw cycle causes the trapped water to expand, gradually widening cracks and weakening the pavement structure.

“The real surge comes during spring thaw,” Witzel said. “As frost leaves the ground, parts of the road structure can become waterlogged and lose strength.”

Once the road base is weakened, traffic can quickly break apart the surface, turning small cracks into potholes, particularly on busy routes. Poor drainage or blocked catch basins can also contribute by allowing water to remain on road surfaces longer, increasing the likelihood of damage.

Winter maintenance can further contribute to deterioration in some cases. Witzel noted snowplows can affect already weakened pavement edges, while road salt and brine can allow moisture to remain liquid longer, increasing the chances water will seep into cracks before refreezing.

Witzel said the city’s response includes regular patrols and prioritization of higher-risk locations to address potholes as quickly as possible.

“The city’s patrol and triage work is just as important as patching,” he said, noting crews often complete temporary repairs when weather conditions are not suitable for permanent fixes.

Permanent hot-mix asphalt repairs are scheduled as temperatures rise and asphalt plants begin seasonal operations.

Witzel encourages residents to report potholes by providing the location and details, helping staff respond more quickly.

He also thanked residents for their patience as crews work through what can be a challenging season for road maintenance.

Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma praised Witzel’s efforts, noting the public works manager leads a team of more than 30 employees and works hard to maintain city infrastructure for the benefit of residents and visitors.