Actions

Yes, Indy has more potholes this year

Posted at 8:01 AM, Feb 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-21 08:01:34-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- With more and more drivers landing in auto repair shops due to the thousands of potholes dotting Indianapolis streets, the Department of Public Works is planning another "pothole blitz" to fill them.

The next blitz will take place next week, focusing first on the most heavily traveled streets. 

DPW Director Dan Parker said the potholes are worse this year than previous years. He said there are more of them, and they are deeper.

"For anyone to say we're not doing our job, these chuck holes weren't created overnight," Parker said. "This is 50 years of under investment. What I would say is help is on the way."

The multiple days of below zero temperatures caused freezing under the surface of the pavement. The resulting thaw has created thousands of potholes across the city.

Indianapolis has $2.5 billion in infrastructure needs, he said. But the agency only has less than half of what's needed to maintain the roads' current condition.

The best solution is to keep reporting the potholes to DPW. To report a pothole, the best way is to contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622, or by using the RequestIndy portal.

Thanks to the weather, DPW hasn't been able to fill the potholes this week. The hot patch used is oil-based -- oil and water don't mix. A cold patch formula the city uses isn't effective since it can either wash away or break apart in a short amount of time. 

There is a different cold patch meant for cool and wet weather that also offers a permanent fix. But It's much more expensive for the city.

MORE TOP STORIES | IMPD: Woman threw feces at Menards employee | Family of Muncie toddler who died after flu diagnosis wonders if flu shot could have saved her | Center Grove High School student dies in Greenwood crash with animal control officer | Parents, students on edge after rumored threats, incidents at Carmel High School | State police identify Kokomo man killed in officer-involved shooting in Wabash County

Top Trending Videos