City Takes New Tack In Pothole War

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis is trying some new things to address the pothole problem, which seems to have come earlier and is more prevalent this year than last.

The city has been divided into three pothole districts, and an emergency pothole response team will take on the big ones, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

With drastic swings in temperatures in recent weeks, it's expected that the pothole problem will go from bad to worse.

The pothole patrol will try to make repairs more permanent. Instead of patching and moving on to the next problem spot, repair crews will try to seal the cracks for good.

"We've purchased four new crack sealing machines since last fall," said Steve Hardiman of the Department of Public Works. "We've been out doing a lot more crack sealing work."

City officials aim to fix potholes within 48 hours of receiving a complaint. Despite the efforts to permanently patch the holes, there are some big ones still out there.

Damage to a wheel and tire could cost motorists as much as $400 to repair.

A Shell service station on the city's north side said it has repaired plenty of tires and wheels torn up by holes on city streets over the years.

Owner Ty Tarr said drivers with newer cars are coming in more often because their tire pressure lights have been set off, perhaps by potholes. In many of those cases, there are no problems, other than a low tire.

"It could just be the cold weather or a long time since it's been checked," Tarr said. "Make sure the air pressure is alright and you will probably be fine."

Indianapolis has $1.4 million budgeted this year for pothole repairs, and legitimate claims from owners who have had their vehicles damaged should be covered.

Anyone who would like to file a claim can call 317-327-4039.