Des Moines is bracing for an influx of pothole reports due to a forecast of warmer weather, which can lead to a freeze-thaw cycle that damages road surfaces. Public Works Director Jonathan Gano explained that the freeze and thaw process allows water to infiltrate cracks, causing significant wear on the streets. In response, Public Works crews are actively patching potholes using a cold mix asphalt that will hold until spring, when hot mix asphalt can be applied. The city emphasizes the importance of resident reports, as timely notifications allow crews to prioritize and address the most urgent repairs. Public Works aims to complete pothole fixes within 24-48 hours of receiving reports, although increased reporting may slow response times.

Residents can report potholes through the 24/7 Public Works Customer Service Center or the MyDSMmobile App. This proactive approach seeks to maintain road safety and quality for Des Moines’ residents, especially as warmer temperatures bring more traffic. The city encourages community involvement in road maintenance by making reporting easy and accessible.