Frost and Thaw Cause Greifswald's Streets to Degrade - Greifswald’s roads crumble under relentless freeze-thaw cycles this winter
Greifswald’s roads are suffering after weeks of freezing and thawing weather. Potholes and cracks have spread across the city, forcing maintenance crews to step up repairs. Temporary fixes are underway, but a lasting solution must wait until the frost period ends.
The damage began appearing as temperatures fluctuated between freezing and mild spells. The repeated cycle of ice forming and melting has weakened the road surfaces, creating new cracks and deepening existing ones.
Cold mix asphalt is being used for quick repairs, but it struggles in freezing conditions. Around ten tons of this temporary material have already been laid since mid-January. The city’s public works teams are prioritising major routes, yet not every damaged section can be fixed immediately. Monitoring continues as more potholes emerge. A permanent fix—hot mix asphalt—cannot be applied until the frost lifts. Until then, crews will keep patching the worst-affected areas.
The city’s road repairs remain a work in progress. Temporary materials provide short-term relief, but lasting improvements depend on warmer weather. For now, maintenance teams will focus on keeping key routes passable while tracking new damage.
