Spring Operations

Road damage naturally occurs during the transition from winter to spring due to the frequent thawing and freezing cycles. Fluctuating temperatures from winter to spring can cause roads to shift. Roads easily shift during the spring thaw, which occurs when any frozen ice underneath the asphalt begins to melt, typically in areas indicating frost heaves and recent potholes. Frost heaves are formed when snow and rain get through the cracks and freeze underneath the roads, expanding the road upwards. When temperatures warm, the ground thaws and the roads contract back down, causing breaks in the pavements, cracks, potholes, sinkholes, and weak road structures. 

Report A Concern

Road Load Limits

As the temperatures begin to warm each spring, the City of Concord implements load limits to protect road conditions pursuant to Code Ordinance 17-6-10. The temporary load limits help to protect road conditions by minimizing additional stress on weakened road structures. Heavy weight on weakened roads can cause additional damage to the structure of a road. The amount of road damage is directly linked to how often a road is used and the weight of each load, especially if the road does not have a solid foundation. 

2023 Spring Road Load Limits

The City of Concord will begin posting weight limits to streets in Concord starting on Monday, February 27, 2023. Seasonal weight restrictions of 9 tons are posted to protect roads from heavy vehicles during the spring thaw. 

• List of streets with posted load limits (PDF)

The load limit postings are weather and road condition dependent, but will likely remain in place through the end of March or early April. Restrictions will continue as long as conditions require. Limits will not be removed until all snow has melted and ditches are clear of any standing water.

The road load limits of 9 tons will not affect the average car or truck, but will impact heavy construction vehicles and commercial trucking. The City of Concord does not issue permits for drivers for spring load limits. Drivers can call Concord General Services at (603) 228-2737 to request for travel permissions if necessary of 1-2 loads before noon. 

Potholes & Road Damage

Potholes are filled year round, but are fixed more often during late winter and early spring as road structures are weakened from changing temperatures. Freezing and thawing cycles cause the ground to shift, which can then cause cracks in the pavement. Moisture from snow and rain then get underneath the roads through the cracks. The water remains underneath the roads left to freeze since the frozen soil prevents the water from draining. As the water underneath the road freezes, the road expands upwards creating frost heaves. As temperatures warm, the ground thaws and roads contract back down and potholes are formed. 

Crews work in the spring to repair any road damages created during the spring thaw. Crews repair potholes by first cleaning out the debris in the hole, filling it in with either cold patch or hot mix, and then using a compactor to compress materials. Crews patch potholes and make road repairs when possible. Report a pothole using the City of Concord’s reporting tool at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix or on the MyConcordNH mobile app.

Hydrant Flushing

Each spring, Concord General Services’ Highway and Utilities Division flushes City-owned hydrants as part of required routine maintenance to remove any sediment from water distribution pipes. This process maintains water quality, water clarity, and also checks for water pressure. 

Water customers may experience low water pressure or discolored water when hydrant flushing occurs in their area. If discoloration occurs, customers are advised to run their tap water on cold until the water runs clear. Residents should avoid doing laundry during scheduled flushing times.

2023 Hydrant Flushing

Hydrant flushing is anticipated to begin in April. Check back soon for flushing schedules and dates. Flushing will continue for several weeks in different areas of the city.