Friday April 25, 2008

Louisville Metro Public Works crews filled approximately 3,000 potholes during the city’s annual Pothole Blitz. Crews have filled more than 10,900 potholes since the beginning of the year.

For two weeks in April, ten crews made up of five employees concentrated on filling potholes and pavement failures created by the weather. Pothole teams worked in the center of the city and worked their way out to the far corners of the community.

Public Works teams continue to fill potholes based on calls from the community. Since April 1, MetroCall has referred 646 pothole reports to Public Works and 462 to the Kentucky Department of Transportation. Citizens may still report potholes to MetroCall.

This is the first year that Metro Public Works utilized a regularly scheduled overnight crew. When those crews were not preparing roads for snow with brine or salt, they were filling potholes. The overnight crews improved efficiency and allowed more potholes to be repaired when traffic flow is minimal.

Pothole Facts & Figures

Potholes are created when moisture penetrates and collects in depressions and cracks in the asphalt. The freezing and thawing process during the winter creates weak spots in the pavement that become craters as cars travel over the road.

Last year the city filled 18,175 potholes and filled 123,274 square feet of road surface, which translates into 2.9 acres of asphalt.

Streets and Roads employees will fill potholes on roads that are maintained by the city. The Kentucky Department of Transportation is responsible for filling potholes on interstates, expressways and major thoroughfares, such as Bardstown Road and Dixie Highway.

To a report a pothole, call MetroCall 311 or use MetroCall's online service tool. Crews will make every effort to fill the pothole within 48 hours, weather permitting.