Extreme temps wreak havoc on city streets

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It was a wild January when it comes to weather.  One day it was below freezing, the next, it was 60 degrees. 

We may have enjoyed the spring like climate, but our roads did not.   

It has been a winter where it’s felt like a game of Whack a Mole for crews from the Department of Public Works. 

Indianapolis's Department of Public Works spokesperson Lesley Malone says road crews have already filled more than 100 pot holes this winter. She says January's wet weather and extreme temperature changes did a number on city streets. 

“With the freezing cold cycles being so prevalent now that’s how pot holes are formed water seeps in cracks in the asphalt and it expands then when it thaws out there is no where really for it to go but down and with traffic running over it that’s what really creates that pothole,” said Malone. 

David Beck runs All Star Tire and Auto Service.  He says hitting a pot hole can blow out a tire, ruin a rim and even damage your cars suspension possibly costing you thousands.     

“A wheel could cost four or five hundred dollars and a tire could cost $200, $300, definitely not a way to start your morning off”

If you do hit a pot hole and damage your car, you can file a claim with the city but don’t expect them to just write you a check for damages.

“A resident can file a tort claim but they will need to show negligence on the city's part,” said Malone. 

If you see a pot hole you are asked to report it online or call the Mayors action line. 

Malone says depending on the pot holes location and probability to cause damage will determine how soon crews will come out to fix it.