Asphalt Repair at Merrick Moore Elementary
Fixing a Sinkhole, Potholes, and Carpool Lane Safety Issues
We recently completed an asphalt repair project at Merrick Moore Elementary School in Durham, North Carolina, addressing multiple safety concerns including a sinkhole near a pedestrian walkway and potholes in the carpool lane. Projects like this are a good example of why proactive asphalt maintenance matters for schools and other public facilities.
Whether you’re a school facilities manager, municipal planner, or maintenance supervisor, keeping walkways and drive lanes safe is critical—especially in high-traffic environments like elementary schools.
The Problem: A Growing Sinkhole by the Walkway
One of the primary issues on site was a sinkhole that had developed next to a drain catch basin, located alongside a heavily used pedestrian walkway between school buildings. With daily foot traffic from students and staff, the safety risk was immediate.
The root cause was a drainage failure around the catch basin. Over time, water eroded the soil beneath the asphalt, creating a void that caused the pavement to collapse. Left unaddressed, this type of failure typically expands, leading to larger repairs and higher costs down the line.
Our Repair Process: Step-by-Step Solution
To ensure a long-lasting repair, we followed a methodical, step-by-step approach:
- Removed the failed asphalt surrounding the sinkhole to fully expose the compromised area
- Allowed the subgrade to dry—a critical step that prevents future settlement
- Cleared all loose debris to eliminate weak points in the repair
- Installed and compacted a rock and aggregate base to rebuild a stable foundation
- Placed 3.5 inches of surface mix hot asphalt, compacted for durability and smoothness
The result was a seamless repair that restored both safety and appearance to the walkway area.
Additional Repairs: Carpool Lane Potholes and Pavement Settling
After resolving the sinkhole, we addressed several large potholes in the school’s carpool lane, along with a noticeable dip in the pavement that functioned like a reverse speed bump.
In a busy pickup and drop-off zone, uneven asphalt isn’t just inconvenient—it increases the risk of vehicle damage and accidents during peak traffic times.
Infrared Asphalt Repair for Efficient, Durable Results
For the carpool lane repairs, we used infrared asphalt patching, a method that allows us to recycle existing pavement rather than removing and replacing it entirely.
This process involves:
- Heating the existing asphalt to a workable temperature
- Blending in new asphalt material
- Compacting the repair to create a seamless bond with surrounding pavement
Infrared asphalt repair is ideal for potholes, depressions, and failed areas in parking lots and drive lanes, especially in environments that need to reopen quickly. It’s faster, cleaner, and more environmentally responsible than traditional cut-and-replace methods.
Services Used on This Project
This project included several of the asphalt services we regularly provide throughout Durham and the Triangle area:
- Asphalt repair
- Infrared asphalt patching
- Pothole repair
- Drainage-related pavement restoration
We work with schools, municipalities, HOAs, and commercial properties, focusing on small- to mid-scale asphalt maintenance rather than large roadway paving.
Why Our Approach Matters for Schools and Public Facilities
We don’t rush asphalt repairs. Taking the time to let subgrade materials dry, rebuilding proper base layers, and using infrared technology where appropriate all contribute to longer-lasting results.
We also prioritize environmentally responsible practices, reducing waste and minimizing disruption—an important consideration for schools and public spaces.
Just as importantly, we believe strong communication and responsiveness are part of doing the job right. On this project, the appreciation we received from school staff was a reminder that quality work and professionalism make a real difference.
Keeping Durham Schools Safe with Proactive Asphalt Maintenance
By the time work was complete, Merrick Moore Elementary’s asphalt surfaces were safe, smooth, and functional. The sinkhole was eliminated, the potholes were repaired, and the carpool lane was restored to proper grade—improving safety for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Regular asphalt maintenance helps prevent small issues from becoming major hazards, especially in high-use environments like schools.
Request an Asphalt Repair Quote in Durham, NC
If you’re dealing with sinkholes, potholes, drainage issues, or deteriorating asphalt at a school or public facility, addressing them early can save time, money, and risk.
We provide asphalt repair services in Durham, Raleigh, and surrounding areas, and we’re always happy to walk through options that make sense for your property.
Reach out to request a quote or start a conversation about your next project.
