Highway Maintenance Worker how-to

How to Patch a Pothole That Lasts

Good patches outlast bad ones.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good patches outlast bad ones. In short: set; clean; square, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set up the work zone.

  2. Clean the hole.

  3. Square edges.

  4. Tack coat.

  5. Fill and compact in lifts.

  6. Seal edges.

Safety reminders for highway maintenance workers

  • Wear high-visibility gear
  • Set proper work zones
  • Watch traffic
  • Follow chainsaw safety

Pothole · Cold patch · Hot mix · Brine · Plow route · Guardrail: see the full highway maintenance worker glossary.

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