Street Repairs

Patching Crews

The months of March, April and May are busy times for the Public Works Street Department pothole patching crews.

What are Potholes?


Potholes are a phenomenon of nature. They occur when snow and ice melt. The resulting water then seeps beneath the pavement through cracks caused by traffic. As the temperatures cool to freezing at night, the water becomes ice and expands below the pavement, forcing the pavement to rise.
Street crew repairing potholes
As traffic continues to pound on this raised section – and the temperatures once again rise above freezing – a shallow divot occurs under the surface and the pavement breaks.

Thus, a pothole is formed.

Reporting a Pothole


Over 3,000 pothole and asphalt patches are made each year on city streets. City crews can repair potholes year round by using a combination of temporary pothole patching mix and permanent hot asphalt material. To report a pothole call (701) 355-1700 or use the Report a Concern online.

Pothole Citizen Tips

  • Pothole patching operations can be dangerous.
  • Maintenance areas tend to be congested and visibility may be restricted.
  • Parents are advised to keep children away from all street patching operations.
  • Hot asphalt materials could be hazardous.
  • Motorists should drive with caution when passing street pothole patching operations.