BLOOMINGTON– As spring unfolds, residents are once again navigating the challenges of “pothole season.” The city’s streets, battered by the harsh winter’s freeze-thaw cycles, are dotted with potholes that pose hazards to vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, and expands, causing the asphalt to break apart. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, combined with the weight of vehicles, exacerbate the damage. This winter, Bloomington experienced significant temperature fluctuations, with highs reaching 81°F and lows plummeting to 13°F, creating ideal conditions for pothole formation.
The City of Bloomington’s Public Works Department is actively addressing the issue. Crews are working diligently to repair the damaged roads, focusing first on major thoroughfares before moving to residential areas.
Joe VanDeventer, Director of Street Operations for the City of Bloomington, says crews are working diligently to repair the potholes. “We try to respond, if possible, weather permitting, within 24 hours.”
Q&A with Joe VanDeventer, Director of Street Operations, on Bloomington’s long-term strategy to limit potholes and more.
Despite the city’s efforts, the sheer volume of potholes presents a significant challenge. As of late April, numerous reports have been filed, indicating widespread issues across various neighborhoods. The city’s resources are stretched thin, and while crews are working overtime, some repairs may be delayed.
Residents play a crucial role in this process. The city encourages individuals to report potholes through the uReport system, accessible at Bloomington.in.gov/ureport. By selecting “Streets, Parking and Traffic” and then “Potholes, Other Street Repair,” Bloomington residents can pinpoint problem areas, upload photos, and provide descriptions to assist repair crews.
Potholes aren’t just an inconvenience — they can lead to expensive damages for drivers. Tires, suspension systems, and vehicle alignments are especially vulnerable when hitting potholes at high speeds or at the wrong angle. According to AAA, U.S. drivers spend nearly $3 billion annually repairing pothole-related vehicle damage. In Bloomington, the issue is especially pressing for students and residents who rely on older vehicles with limited protection against road hazards.
Q&A with IU Student Jadyn Yencer on her message to Bloomington city officials in remedying the worsening road conditions and more.
Jadyn Yencer, an IU sophomore, worries about potholes damaging her 12-year old car. “There’s definitely lots of potholes here in Bloomington and I try to take a more cautious approach as I know with an old car, I need to be careful because it’s less protected from the potholes.
Yencer’s 2013 Nissan Altima has already seen non-pothole related damages this past winter, and she worries continued hits to her car could lead to costly damages unaffordable for her.
City officials emphasize that while pothole repairs are underway, full road resurfacings are often scheduled during the summer and fall months when the weather is more predictable. In the meantime, temporary patches are critical for keeping roads passable and minimizing risks.
Drivers are encouraged to stay alert, avoid puddles that could be hiding deep potholes, and leave extra space between vehicles to have a clearer view of the road ahead. Slowing down and reporting hazards as soon as they appear can also make a major difference in helping the city prioritize the most dangerous areas first.
Bloomington’s battle with potholes is an annual struggle, but with coordinated efforts between city officials and residents, progress is achievable. As the weather stabilizes, repair work will continue, aiming to restore the city’s streets to safer conditions.
