CHOKED up traffic could be an unwelcome but familiar sight to thousands of drivers this summer around Gloucester as more roadworks look set to get under way on the A40.
Potholes have been given a quick-fix on the key business route into the city, but county council road gangs must wait until the summer to finish the job.
Weeks of heavy rain and sub-zero overnight temperatures this week has raised the risk of more potholes developing in and around the city.
Area highways manager Jason Humm said: "Thousands of drivers use the Golden Valley every day and our main job is to ensure the road is safe. That is why we carried out this work to fix damage that could have become dangerous over time. We did this over three nights to cause as little disruption as possible.
"The repairs may be slightly bumpy in places because the sealant is designed to contract and bed down over time to leave a smoother surface. Resurfacing of the road has to take place in the summer because the material we need to use has to be laid in dry weather to stand up to heavy traffic. We know the area will be busy this year with works on the M5 and at C&G roundabout, so we've planned the work to take place next summer once these schemes have been completed."
Mick Dwyer, who runs Joyriders motorcycle school in Hardwicke, said potholes have reached epidemic proportions in some parts of the city.
He said: "I know the climate is making it very difficult for the repairs to be done, but the council could be doing more. I don't know why they have gangs going out twice to the same pothole, once to paint a white cross and then a few months later to repair it. It is a waste of resources. Many potholes are in the middle of the road so they are very difficult to avoid. If a biker hits one, it won't take much to throw them off and risk breaking their neck.
"Some of the potholes are just horrendous. I know the council has a restricted budget, but it could be better spent. Bikers have to pay road tax, but we are the ones who risk most by hitting an unseen pothole."
Julie Norris, a self employed beautician who drives into Gloucester three days a week from Cheltenham, said: "It can be hard to avoid some of the A40's bigger potholes.
"The work needs doing, but I'm dreading next summer."
