Wet weather causing more potholes to appear on Tasmanian highways and roads

One motorist worries that an increase in ‘big, deep’ potholes could cause a potentially fatal accident on our roads. Why more potholes are appearing on our roads.

A pothole on the Bass Highway in Tasmania's northwest. Picture: Supplied.

A seeming increase in potholes appearing on highways and roads in the North-West of the state has left motorists fuming.

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said that heavy rain in winter and spring had resulted in more potholes than usual.

Kingston resident Shelley Slaghuis travels to the North-West roughly every fortnight and describes the pothole situation in the region as “horrific.”

“I cannot believe how bad and deep they are. They are not just little potholes; these are big, deep potholes,” Ms Slaghuis said.

“The thud they make when you drive over them is enough to make your vehicle veer because they are so deep and long.

“I can’t believe how big and dangerous some of them are.”

A pothole on the Bass Highway in Tasmania's northwest. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Slaghuis said she believed the government needed to devise a better way for people to report potholes on roads, such as a mobile app.

“It shouldn’t be a phone call or an email.

“It should be something easy like an app where we can report these potholes, and it goes straight to them, and then they get fixed.

“It’s been the last six months that I’ve noticed they’re not getting fixed – and as soon as one’s fixed – another one’s appeared.

“I don’t know if they’re short of funding or what the story is, but if nothing is done, people are going to die on our roads because of them.”

Mr Vincent said its government contractor had been working hard to fix potholes quickly.

“They will often do short-term repairs to keep the road safe until the weather is more suitable for longer-term repairs,” he said.

“These initial repairs are an immediate fix, but some potholes can reopen during heavy rain, as has happened this year.”

A pothole on the Bass Highway in Tasmania's northwest. Picture: Supplied.

Since the extreme weather event of August 26 to December, contractors have repaired 1354 of the 1434 potholes identified on the Bass Highway and 733 of the 739 on the Murchison Highway.

“They continue to monitor the roads at least once a week with all issues identified, logged and prioritised for repair,” Mr Vincent said.

“If issues arise between these inspections, the public are encouraged to let us know right away by calling our 24/7 hotline on 1300 139 933.

“This is available 24/7 every day of the year, including Christmas Day.”

Mr Vincent said roadworks had been slated for parts of the northwest and West Coast over the summer.

“These resurfacing projects will improve the road quality and help prevent potholes from forming.

“Preparations on all of these sites are nearly completed, and resealing work has started on some sites.”

Originally published as Wet weather causing more potholes to appear on Tasmanian highways and roads