The number of potholes in the City of Lincoln has exploded in recent weeks due to the cold and snow followed by warmer weather. As drivers try and dodge potential vehicle damaging street craters, city officials are assuring residents they are doing everything they can to fill them quickly and efficiently.
“The City of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the commuter experience by proactively repairing potholes and street infrastructure to ensure safer and more reliable transportation for all residents,” Mayor Gaylor Baird says. “We want you to know that this work is a priority.” She says they will invest $98 million in street infrastructure over the next two years.
LTU Director Liz Elliott says ten of the City’s 12 pothole crews cover assigned repair routes and two crews work exclusively to address service requests made by residents. “All 12 crews repair about 720 potholes daily. Of the 500 service requests made so far in 2024, crews have repaired 400 potholes. Crews repaired nearly 6,000 potholes in January,” Elliott says.
She says they repair potholes two different ways. “The first is by using the City’s four spray-injection patching vehicles. Operated by individual crew members who stay inside the trucks, these vehicles fill potholes with a hot material that is used when temperatures are around 40 degrees,” Elliott says. “The spray patching vehicles offer longer lasting and economical repairs, increased efficiency, and increased safety for team members.
Crews also use a cold patching material that is ideal for damp surfaces and produces temporary repairs until more permanent pavement solutions can be implemented. To report a pothole or other non-emergency city maintenance issue, go to UPLNK.lincoln.ne.gov. For more information on pothole repairs, visit lincoln.ne.gov/potholes.
(Photos: City of Lincoln )