Streets Team Facing High Volume of Requests During 'Pothole Season'

Des Moines is currently in the midst of "Pothole Season," with the Streets Maintenance Division overwhelmed by 1,209 pothole repair requests recorded by March 7, 2023, a significant increase from just 578 reports in the same timeframe last year. Recent record-breaking snowfall has only added to the urgency, necessitating a swift change from snow removal to road patching operations. Public Works Director Jonathan Gano noted that while crews usually patch potholes within 24 to 48 hours, the high volume of requests is likely to extend repair timelines. The cycle of freezing and thawing that occurs as winter transitions to spring exacerbates road conditions, leading to the formation of dangerous potholes that affect traffic safety. Currently, the city is using cold mix asphalt for repairs, which serves as a temporary fix until the weather warms up enough for more durable hot mix asphalt.

Gano has requested the public's patience as crews work through the backlog, highlighting that if a reported pothole isn't repaired promptly, it will likely be addressed in the coming days. Residents can report potholes through the myDSMmobile app, online, or by contacting the Public Works Customer Service Center. The city remains committed to maintaining safe roadways for its residents while managing the challenges presented by severe weather conditions.