TRANSPORTATION

Why you're seeing potholes earlier than usual this year — and what to do about them

Kellie Hwang
Indianapolis Star

Indianapolis Department of Public Works director Dan Parker actually wishes for more snow. 

"We need to root for more cold and snowy winters," he said. "That's what we want."

At least that's the ideal situation when it comes to what Parker refers to as the "dreaded P-word." In fact, he won't even say the word out loud. Rather he calls them "chuckholes" or just "holes". 

That's because if there were more consistently cold, even snowy days in the winter, then the opportunities for the freeze-and-thaw cycle decreases. It's the big swings in temperatures coupled with rain that wreaks havoc on Indianapolis streets. 

The result is frustrated drivers swerving haphazardly around gouged and pockmarked roads. And in recent years, the pothole problem has only gotten worse.

"There are more up and down temperatures that are now happening in December," Parker said. "The season used to start in March, now it's starting in January ... February is our biggest month of chuckhole requests." 

As of last week, there have been nearly 1,000 pothole requests, and DPW workers have filled nearly 600 of them. And that's only the beginning. 

How does a pothole form? 

Parker explained that when precipitation enters the ground and gets under the pavement, it craters the road from underneath.

"When that precipitation freezes and thaws, it breaks apart the asphalt," he said.

How potholes form

Why do some potholes reopen so quickly?

During the winter months, the plants that produce the hot asphalt mix that offers a more permanent solution close down and don't reopen until at least February, sometimes later. So DPW workers use a cold asphalt mix or winter mix, which is a temporary fix that can sometimes wash away during a freeze-thaw cycle. 

"This is one of the frustrations we see from residents, when we go out in December or January and throw the winter mix in a hole and by March it pops back out," Parker said. "In the winter months we use that mix just to get something in those holes so drivers don't have the hazards." 

Potholes:Hoosiers complain about potholes more than any other state

Parker said in cold weather it's very difficult to keep the asphalt hot enough, which is why the plants historically close in December. He said last year the plants opened in mid-February, the earliest they ever have. He's hoping with upcoming construction contracts already solidified for this season, they can open early again to fill holes and launch projects that will increase the longevity of Indianapolis' roads. 

Why are the roads so bad? 

DPW conducted a February 2018 audit that determined it would need $732 million to upgrade the city's streets from "poor" to "fair." Parker said while the city has invested more in construction the last two seasons there's still a "long way to go to catch up to 50 years of deferred maintenance," he said.

I just passed by the worst pothole. How do I get it fixed?

Parker urges residents to report every pothole they encounter by calling in to the Mayor's Action Center or visiting RequestIndy online or through the app. DPW relies on these reports, otherwise they don't know what problem areas exist.

"The biggest thing is to let us know it's coming," Parker said. "We really do prioritize the work we do in areas where holes been reported. Don’t assume someone else reported a hole that you see on your daily commute." 

He added that just posting about certain potholes on social media platforms "doesn't translate into a work request," and DPW only responds to official requests. Residents are also encouraged to visit the Indy Pothole Viewer to make themselves aware of where the holes exist. 

Department of Public Works director Dan Parker answers questions about potholes and what to expect in the 2020 season.

How are potholes prioritized?

Since it is still early in the season, Parker said it's currently a "first in, first out" situation where crews are strictly responding to requests via the Mayor's Action Center and RequestIndy as they come in.

"If we get in a situation where the numbers are out of control, we will prioritize major thoroughfares over residential streets, because the major thoroughfares are the ones where we understand residents are going to be driving a little faster," Parker said.

He said then it becomes a safety issue, where drivers might swerve and cause damage to themselves or others. 

Parker explained that there are three street garages where crews receive requests and group the work together. Potholes are filled based on requests only, and crews do not drive around looking for holes to fill. When a crew arrives at a requested area, they look at everything one block before and one block after it, filling the entire city block. In the end there are more holes filled than the number of requests. 

What is new this year for pothole season?

DPW is currently in the process of hiring 12 new union positions who will help fill a second shift from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The second shift will allow workers to keep going even if a high priority service request comes in later in the day.

The department also has some new machinery, including an infrared machine that Parker said will allow workers to heat up pavement and smooth it out during the winter season.

And, DPW is looking for board approval to have additional contractors on standby if pothole season starts to get particularly bad. 

How can I avoid running over a pothole?

Parker said motorists should know their routes and where the potholes are located, and report them as soon as possible. He urges drivers to slow down and stay off their devices.

"We want to prevent damage to driver’s cars, but we do want to make sure people are safe and that people are not swerving," he said. "Do not swerve to miss one." 

What if I do hit a pothole? 

If your car sustains damage from a pothole, you can file claim with the city. You have 180 days from the date of your incident to file a claim. Be sure to keep a copy of your claim, receipts for repairs, and a certified mail receipt. 

Mayor's Action Center: 317-327-4622, indy.gov/activity/report-potholes

RequestIndy: maps.indy.gov/requestindy

Indy Pothole Viewer: maps.indy.gov/indypotholeviewer

File a damage claim: indy.gov/activity/file-a-tort-claim

Contact IndyStar reporter Kellie Hwang at 317-444-6032 or kellie.hwang@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellieHwang.