Asphalt Plant Opens Early to Fix Indy Potholes

It’s hard to drive around Indianapolis without having to dodge potholes, like near 38th and Fall Creek by the Fairgrounds where cars swerve in and out of lanes to avoid potentially serious damage.

"We certainly understand their frustration," said Public Works Director Lori Miser.  "We all drive on the streets too, so we are dodging them just as well.  So, that's why we have hired private contractors.  That's why we have opened up the asphalt plant.  So, that it is a more permanent fix and we can get these taken care of quicker.

The city and INDOT are paying Rieth-Riley Construction $10,000 to open its hot-mix asphalt plant early to start filling the holes.

Normally the plant starts operating in mid-March.

General Superintendent David Dankert says that should mean smoother commutes soon.

"The hot mix is a better product to patch holes with because the materials stay in the hole better than a cold-mix patch, which basically is more of a process of doing a temporary fix," he said.  "Whereas, a hot patch can give you a little something more permanent, something that won't have to be addressed again later."

Crews started putting down the hot mix, Tuesday.

Drivers who see a pothole are encouraged to report it through the Request Indy mobile app or by calling the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622.

Miser says because of the tough winter, it’s been challenging to fix road issues as fast as the city had hoped.

"Our goal has been to repair potholes in under three days, but right now we are not meeting that," she said.  "Right now we are at about five-and-a-half, six days and it's probably going to stay that way for a little bit just because of the number that are out there.  But, we are doing our best.  We did hire private contractors to help, so, we've got all of our resources devoted to this."