According to the ADAC, the severe winter has damaged Germany’s roads more than in previous years, mainly because of frequent shifts between frost and dew. The impact is especially severe on municipal roads, with total repair costs expected to rise into the billions.
When temperatures hover around the freezing point, water can seep into cracks and other pre‑existing weak spots. Once the water freezes, it expands and further fractures the asphalt. During the thaw, empty spaces form under the road surface, and traffic compresses these voids, resulting in potholes.
To maintain road safety, the ADAC stresses the need for short‑term fixes such as cold asphalt. Repairing a single pothole can cost up to €200. Long‑term solutions, however, require systematic maintenance management to preserve road quality. A 2023 study by the German Institute for Urban Studies shows that roughly one‑third of municipal roads already suffer serious damage, and the estimated cost for necessary rehabilitation and new construction is about €283 billion.