Potholes persist in Chico with rainy weather and increased traffic

CHICO, Calif. — One of a motorist's most annoying road conditions is growing.

Potholes are becoming a more persistent problem in the City of Chico thanks to the increase in rain and traffic congestion caused by the population growth due to the Camp Fire.

"These are pretty good size," said James West, a maintenance worker who along with his coworker was repairing several potholes at Hickory and West 7th Street.

"We see those on an average basis during the winter season, and we've got them all over town," he said.

According to Skyler Lipski, the Operations and Maintenance Manger with the City of Chico, up to two crews are sent out to fix potholes although other priorities like flooding, non-operating street lights and downed trees take a priority.

Lipski said that rain infiltrates through the cracks of a road and into the asphalt surface. As it erodes, the continued traffic over the surface will eject both the asphalt and the sub-surface base.

Priority is given to deeper and wider potholes, especially those in high traffic areas.

"Potholes can not only be a nuisance, but a safety hazard," said Lipski.

The city's Public Works Department estimates it's been receiving three phone calls per day complaining of potholes. The department said it gets the potholes filled usually within a 48-hour period.

Potholes can be reported to the City of Chico at (530) 894-4200.

They can also be emailed to rightofwaymaintenance@chicoca.gov.