Potholes season is here as city steps up response

The weather is increasing the number of potholes across Indianapolis as the city steps up efforts to fix roadways.

The Department of Public Works, DPW, took advantage of warmer weather early this week to kick off more effective street maintenance methods.  This includes the use of a hot-mix asphalt that provides a longer, stronger repair.

DPW has also started strip patching operations.  This method mills and repairs a top layer of asphalt along a stretch of roadway, providing a longer lasting solution.

Continued periods of freeze contribute to holes in roadways. Water that seeps into cracks in the road expands when it freezes and contracts as it thaws. That movement weakens the pavement, and the weight of vehicles eventually breaks up the surface to create a pothole. 

More wet, icy, snowy conditions are expected this week. DPW does need dry weather to use the hot asphalt mix. The City asks residents to report potholes at RequestIndy. When weather does allow, up to 90 workers a day will respond to requests.

In an email statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said crews will target the most deteriorated streets.

"Locations for strip-patching will be found throughout Marion County," Hogsett said.

Top priority is also given to main thoroughfares which handle more traffic.

DPW's total capital infrastructure planning for 2022 includes an investment of more than $160 million in infrastructure improvement. The department has already filled more than 22,500 potholes this season with a cold mix solution.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes via the RequestIndy website, the RequestIndy mobile app on iPhone or Android, or by calling the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.