sudsmaster
Well-known member
Californai differences
California is known for its freeways. What isn't often discussed is the quality of the roadways. Because much of the state is not subject to freezing winter temps, the roadways are built thinner than those in other, colder states. This means that we can get more than our share of potholes. I understand further that even in northern states, the thickness of the roadbed is less than that of the average European roadway. I don't know why that would be, but it seems to me that a thicker roadbed would last longer and subject the population to much less inconvenience due to pothole repair and resurfacing.
A relative that lives in Portland, Oregon, visited here in the 90's and remarked at how badly potholed the major freeways are. I recall a news story about a decade ago that cited a study that summed up the cost to the average motorist of increased wear and tear on the car's tires and suspension due to the rough road surfaces. When I was riding my motorcycle (I stopped about a year ago) I remember having to be extra cautious about not hitting a big pothole at speed. I have a friend who was injured by a pothole on his bike a few years back. It took the city ages to pay up on his claim.
California is known for its freeways. What isn't often discussed is the quality of the roadways. Because much of the state is not subject to freezing winter temps, the roadways are built thinner than those in other, colder states. This means that we can get more than our share of potholes. I understand further that even in northern states, the thickness of the roadbed is less than that of the average European roadway. I don't know why that would be, but it seems to me that a thicker roadbed would last longer and subject the population to much less inconvenience due to pothole repair and resurfacing.
A relative that lives in Portland, Oregon, visited here in the 90's and remarked at how badly potholed the major freeways are. I recall a news story about a decade ago that cited a study that summed up the cost to the average motorist of increased wear and tear on the car's tires and suspension due to the rough road surfaces. When I was riding my motorcycle (I stopped about a year ago) I remember having to be extra cautious about not hitting a big pothole at speed. I have a friend who was injured by a pothole on his bike a few years back. It took the city ages to pay up on his claim.