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Isn’t the pothole problem in Michigan due to climate? In Atlanta, the city proper has terrible potholes due to mismanagement more than anything. Outside the city proper it’s much better. Even in my city that’s within 5 miles of the city proper. I’m in Dekalb county which notoriously mismanaged and corrupt but out potholes are better than Atlanta.

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The weather excuse is a common one, but only plays a small role. There are plenty of example municipalities with good quality roads and winter conditions.

The main issue, at least in Montreal, appears to be low grade asphalt. The reduced quality is due to addition of used engine oil to the mix, instead of fresh bitumen. Which makes asphalt slightly cheaper and needs to be replaced more often. I’d say it’s a win for the asphalt (monopoly) company.

I grew up in MI, a civil engineer told me that our pothole issues were due to poor road engineering (things like not laying down gravel so that rain wouldn't collect underneath the concrete && would drain)

ohio didn't seem to have the same issues that we did, at any rate.

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