DeKALB | Warm weather is upon us and with that comes pothole season for the city of DeKalb.

“It’s been about normal for what we deal with,” said Mark Espy, assistant director of public works. “They haven’t been any worse than what we’ve seen in the past.”

Potholes are created because water gets in the cracks of the roads and will freeze, then when the weather warms up and the ice melts, loosening the cement, Espy said.

“It all has to do with the spring thaw,” Espy said.

Junior German major Sean Burke said he thinks the potholes have gotten pretty bad in the DeKalb area.

“With a smaller car like mine, I’m sure I’m risking serious damage to my car every time I hit one,” Burke said.

Burke said that the potholes have been hard to avoid because of where they lay on the street and because of larger vehicles like trucks blocking his sight to avoid them.

Jon Bockman. president of Bockman’s Auto Care, 2158 Oakland Drive, said he has seen an increase in damage due to potholes recently, but this can occur all season.

“We’ve seen cracked rims and bent or broken pieces in the front end,” Bockman said.

The main roads to look out for potholes in DeKalb are Annie Glidden Road, First Street, Dresser Road, and the downtown area, said city engineer Joel Maurer. Espy said potholes on the NIU campus are repaired by the NIU Grounds Department. According to their page on the NIU website,work orders can be submitted via phone at 815-753-1741 or email at [email protected] concerning potholes on campus. The Grounds Department did not wish to comment.

“You’re going to see more later as the temperature gets warmer,” Maurer said.

Espy said that DeKalb uses a pothole repair solution called UPM.

“The UPM is a special mix that bonds itself to the hole,” Espy said. “It’s more of a permanent fix.”

During the next few weeks, Espy said he anticipates more potholes on the roads.

“When we’re not moving snow, we’ll be filling potholes,” Espy said.