The Pothole Process

Here’s what happens when a pothole appears in the borough.

1. The resident sees a defect on the road.

2. The resident goes on the Hounslow Highways website and reports the defect here. When reporting, please include:

• Give the exact location (closest house number or other defining features on the road) as well as pinning on the map.
• Please include a photo of the defect.

5. Crew arrive on site and check the defect against their job order on their tablet. The crew also check it is safe for them and the public to carry out the works and also ensure the defect is accessible.

6. Crew place out traffic management for safety (road signs / diversion signs and barriers if necessary).

7. Crew take a “before” photo on the tablet for recording purposes.

8. Crew take out the equipment and retrieve the cable locator (CAT & Genny) to establish if there are any underground services.

9. Crew use the ‘abrasive wheel’ to cut a neat square area which is larger than the pothole itself. During this process, there is a water dust suppressant system to ensure minimal dust is created.

10. Crew use a ‘compressor breaker’ to excavate the damaged area. They also use a shovel and tape measure to make sure that the area is the correct depth. This is then sprayed with sealant which helps to combine the new and old materials to ensure a weather proof seal.

11. Once the excavation is complete, the crew place a layer of asphalt into the hole. Then it is compressed with a ‘wacker’ plate to ensure the layer is level before adding further layers. The crew then spray water over the area to lower the temperature before they add the next layer.

This is after the first layer has been completed.