CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Residents of West Virginia are bracing for a surge in pothole damage as warmer temperatures arrive this week, bringing an end to a two-week period of sub-freezing conditions. The thaw is expected to reveal significant deterioration of roadways across the state, posing challenges for commuters and the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH).
The formation of potholes is a direct consequence of the region’s freeze-thaw cycle. Water penetrates cracks in the pavement, and when temperatures drop below freezing, this water expands, widening the fissures. Repeated cycles exacerbate the damage, ultimately leading to the creation of potholes. West Virginia’s climate, characterized by frequent temperature fluctuations during winter, provides ideal conditions for this destructive process.
The WVDOH faces a particularly difficult situation, as pothole development typically peaks during the winter months – a time when the agency’s ability to conduct comprehensive repairs is severely limited. Asphalt plants, essential for producing the hot asphalt required for durable patching, are routinely shut down for annual maintenance during the winter. Permanent repairs necessitate a multi-step process: milling out the damaged section of road, clearing debris, applying a tack layer, pouring fresh asphalt, and then compacting the pavement. This thorough approach ensures a repair that is comparable in longevity to the surrounding roadway.
However, with asphalt plants offline, the WVDOH is restricted to using “cold patch” – a temporary solution consisting of a cold asphalt mixture. While cold patch can address the most severe potholes, it lacks the durability of hot asphalt repairs and is considered a short-term fix. According to officials, this means that many potholes will remain unrepaired until the spring, when asphalt plants resume operations and crews can begin permanent repairs.
The situation echoes challenges faced by transportation departments across regions with similar climates. The impact of potholes extends beyond mere inconvenience; they can cause significant damage to vehicles, leading to costly repairs for drivers. They also present a safety hazard, potentially contributing to accidents.
The anticipated increase in potholes comes after the WVDOH undertook a substantial pothole-patching initiative in January 2024, reportedly addressing over 6,500 potholes as part of “Operation R.I.P. Potholes.” However, the recent return of frigid temperatures and subsequent thaw suggest that much of that work will need to be revisited.
The problem isn’t limited to routine road maintenance. In July 2025, a significant pothole on the I-64 bridge over the Kanawha River in Charleston caused a major traffic backup, requiring extensive repairs involving concrete and rebar. That incident highlighted the potential for even single potholes to create substantial disruption on key transportation arteries.
The WVDOH is urging residents to exercise caution while driving and to report potholes to the agency. While a comprehensive solution is delayed until spring, the agency will continue to utilize cold patch for the most hazardous situations. The agency acknowledges that patience will be required as the state navigates this period of increased road damage.
The current situation underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain infrastructure in regions susceptible to harsh winter weather. The reliance on temporary fixes highlights the need for long-term investment in road maintenance and the development of more resilient paving materials. Until then, West Virginia drivers will likely continue to contend with the annual cycle of pothole formation and repair.
The coming weeks will be a test of both the state’s infrastructure and the patience of its residents. As temperatures continue to rise, the full extent of the winter’s damage will become apparent, and the WVDOH will face the challenge of managing a potentially widespread problem with limited resources.
