LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As freezing temperatures continue to grip the region, potholes have once again become a major concern for drivers navigating Louisville’s streets. The ongoing freeze-thaw cycle is causing significant damage to roads across the city, with high-traffic areas like Chestnut and Jefferson streets seeing particularly rough conditions.
Metro Public Works spokesperson Salvador Melendez explained that the damage is the result of water seeping into cracks in the pavement. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, ultimately creating potholes when it thaws. “It’s bad. It’s really bad,” said one frustrated driver downtown Thursday.
Crews have been working diligently to address the issue, but recent severe weather events, including flooding and snow, have shifted priorities temporarily. According to Melendez, approximately 12,000 potholes have been filled since January. However, the city typically faces an annual pothole repair workload of about 40,000. Despite these efforts, the recent storms have made it difficult to focus on repairs in the short term.
“Up until this weather came, that’s what they were working on,” Melendez stated, noting that pothole repairs are an ongoing, year-round effort.
For drivers, the issue extends beyond mere inconvenience. One motorist shared concerns about the cost of damage to tires, saying, “Potholes are messing up the tires. We ain’t got no money to fix the tires. We barely got money to put gas in it.” Another driver highlighted the danger posed by potholes, stating that they could cause serious damage to vehicles, particularly if they are deep and rough.
The city’s annual “pothole blitz” is expected to take place in the spring, when crews will focus their efforts on patching the worst spots. Until then, officials are asking for patience from the public as crews prioritize storm cleanup before resuming regular pothole repairs.
Residents can report potholes in a variety of ways, including online via Louisville Metro 311, by calling Metro 311, or by using the hashtag #502Pothole on social media.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is also addressing pothole issues on state roads, applying cold mix to temporarily fill potholes during the winter months. In warmer weather, hot asphalt is used to provide a more durable repair.
As the freeze-thaw cycle continues, Louisville drivers will have to remain vigilant, hoping for smoother roads as repairs are made in the coming months.
