The record cold temperatures will shortly be replaced with unseasonably warm temperatures. That means two things for the Department of Public Service (DPS): water main breaks and potholes.
It's already been a bad winter for water main breaks. We had more than 30 in January. We had four simultaneous breaks in just one day last week. Repairing a water main break in frigid winter weather is probably the most miserable job performed by city employees.
Reporting Potholes
The same freezing and thawing conditions responsible for most water main breaks also create havoc for our streets. Expect a rash of potholes to break out next week.
The best way to report a pothole is to use the city's 'Report a Concern' form, which can be found at https://www.romi.gov/FormCe…/General-33/Report-a-Concern-138
What You Need to Know About Pothole Repair
DPS attacks potholes systematically. Crews work their way down streets filling every hole rather than crisscrossing across the responding to individual complaints. The systematic approach is a far more efficient use of available staff and equipment. However, sometimes one opens up that is so large it must be dealt with immediately.
Sometimes the location of a pothole rather than the size makes immediate repair necessary. We usually have the police department check those out and determine whether a DPS crew should be reassigned.
Learn more about potholes at https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9615_30883-28113--,00.html
Thanks for your patience, Royal Oak.