Boardman Braces for Spring Thaw as Oregon DOT Warns of Pothole Season

While Michigan grapples with its own historic weather woes, here in Boardman, the transition from winter to spring brings a familiar, jarring challenge to our local roads. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is issuing its annual warning to Morrow County drivers: be prepared for pothole season.

The recent freeze-thaw cycles, a hallmark of Eastern Oregon’s early spring, are the primary culprit. Water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt, freezes and expands overnight, then thaws under the afternoon sun. This repeated process breaks up the pavement from beneath, creating the craters that can damage tires and suspensions.

“We’re actively monitoring our routes, including I-84 and U.S. 730, but we need the public’s eyes as well,” said a local ODOT maintenance supervisor. “The faster we know about a hazardous pothole, the faster we can get a crew out to address it.” Residents are encouraged to report major road issues on state highways directly to ODOT’s maintenance line.

For City of Boardman streets, Public Works crews have already begun their seasonal patching operations. “We prioritize based on traffic volume and severity,” noted a city official. “Safety is our main concern, especially on truck routes like Front Street and on approaches to the Port of Morrow.”

Drivers are advised to increase following distance to see road hazards early, avoid sudden swerves, and report persistent problem areas to city hall. While we may not face Michigan’s specific “historic challenge,” the annual battle to keep Boardman’s roads smooth is firmly underway.