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Saanich crews assess frost heave on Del Monte Avenue to prevent sinkhole

Process can loosen sub-base material and pavement once ice melts
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A section of Del Monte Avenue from Helvetia Crescent to Del Monte Lane was closed Tuesday (Jan. 4) due to a frost heave. (District of Saanich/Twitter)

Del Monte Avenue in Saanich is closed from Helvetia Crescent to Del Monte Lane due to a road surface stabilization concern – more commonly known as frost heave.

“We closed the road out of caution in the rare case a sinkhole was present,” said Megan Catalano, District of Saanich communications manager.

The section was closed early Tuesday morning (Jan. 4) and road crews have been assessing the issue.

“Our crews determined it was a frost heave that caused the issue with the small section of road surface on Del Monte Avenue,” Catalano said.

Frost heaves happen when water under the road surface freezes. As it expands, the pavement can be pushed up and subsequently crack – an action that can loosen the sub-base material and pavement once the ice melts.

Crews are working on repairs and expect to open the road as early as 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and no later than 7:30 p.m., Catalano said.

ALSO READ: Fresh snow, rain making for icy commute across Greater Victoria


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