By Heather Jensen, Tennessee Department of Transportation

STATUS:
Potholes are a normal (and expected) part of the winter season; however, recent winter storms have created a problem more severe than in years past. Back-to-back ice storms and additional rain have essentially created a worst-case scenario, forcing previously patched holes to reopen and new holes to form.

OPERATIONS:
TDOT is aware of the potholes, and efforts are being made to address them. Every available resource is being used to make necessary repairs. Crews are made up of five to six employees, with manpower to actually fill the holes (3-4 guys shoveling mix) and safety assistance from other truck operators.

HOT MIX VS COLD MIX:
Repairs made in the colder months are only temporary, cold-mix patches. A more permanent, hot-mix fix is done in the warmer months, when asphalt plants are open. The department is working with a local asphalt plant to provide hot mix for pothole patching and emergency paving today (Monday) and in the weeks ahead.

TIMELINE:
For the last three weeks, TDOT crews have alternated between snow/ice removal and pothole patching, as weather would allow. Crews worked through the weekend (March 7-8) to fill as many potholes as possible. On Monday, work continued with the benefit of hot mix from the local asphalt plant. Initially, operations were to continue through the week, including emergency paving, but efforts will be hampered by expected rainfall.

COST:
Unlike salting and plowing operations, TDOT does not specifically set aside money for potholes. Potholes are repaired with maintenance dollars. An estimate on pothole patching costs (in terms of materials used) will be available once the freeze-thaw cycle of winter ends and operations are further along.

IMPACT:
Potholes are considered a road hazard. Motorists are urged to use caution and reduce speed, especially in areas of known potholes.

The work required to patch or pave potholes will require lane closures. Patching will be mobile operations. Paving will be static. Once the forecast clears and asphalt availability is confirmed, we will be able to provide more details on work locations for paving operations. Information on all pothole operations will be posted on TDOT SmartWay.

BY THE NUMBERS:
TDOT Region 3 includes 26 middle Tennessee counties in 3 districts with 11,206 lane miles of interstates and state routes.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
It is nearly impossible to count the number of potholes in the region. Crews are assigned routes, and potholes are addressed along those routes.

Operations may vary slightly in each district, depending on need, but interstates are priority, followed by state routes.

In Nashville, there are approximately 1,500 lanes miles. Local crews will start in the inner loop of Nashville, working outward to repair potholes, barring any emergency repairs.

While feedback from the public is welcome, it is not necessary. The roads are being patrolled and potholes are being reported by TDOT personnel during normal business operations.

Due to the severity and number of potholes on all routes, repair operations are expected to be lengthy. The public is asked to be patient and expect delays while we address the potholes on all state-owned routes.