What is “Cold Patch”?
“Cold patch”, or cold asphalt, is the temporary remedy to fix potholes during cold weather. The Town uses it throughout the island on asphalt surfaces only during the winter months. Cold patch is a polymer technology that is soft and sticky out of the bag, but quickly hardens after application. The end result is a temporary pavement patch with good adhering properties, but only useful during the winter when hot asphalt is not available.

Cold patch is also very expensive. It costs approximately $200/ton and it also has constraints: 1) it requires special handling, 2) needs to be kept covered, 3) it must be stored under cover to retain its adhesive properties, and 4) it tends to leak oils at certain temperatures. As a result, the Town does not “just cold patch everything" but rather applies this solution where and when appropriate.

Show All Answers

1. What is a pothole?
2. How potholes are formed?
3. How is a pothole fixed?
4. What is “Cold Patch”?
5. Does the Town have a “Pothole Fixer”?
6. When will the potholes be fixed?
7. How do I report a pothole?