INDIANAPOLIS — No doubt you've dodged a pothole, or many, if you drive around Indianapolis at all.
With the fluctuating temperatures, roads are starting to break apart.
From cracks to craters — crumbling asphalt across the city is leaving large sections of road in many neighborhoods riddled with potholes.
It's bad all over, but people living near Winthrop Avenue and 28th Street on the city's northeast side believe they may have the worst road in the city.
The street near that intersection looks like it's been repaired over and over again, but residents tell WRTV the potholes just keep reopening.
"It's just a minefield you gotta dodge, neighbor Johnny Kelly told WRTV's Kaitlyn Kendall. "You dodge one hole, you hit three more."
Kelly said driving on the road near his home makes for a very bumpy ride.
"They're very sketchy you gotta be careful where you go," Kelly said.
Even though it's primarily residential, neighbors like Cherish Burnette say it's frustrating that they have to deal with it every day.
"I mean it's frustrating but it's the season you know it's going to happen you just have to deal with it," Burnette said.
MORE | Chuckhole vs. pothole: A Hoosier debate that runs deep
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works says they will focus on filling potholes on main thoroughfare's first.
Meaning side streets like 28th Street and Winthrop Avenue may be quite a ways down the list.
Right now, there are more than 2,500 potholes that have been reported around Indianapolis.
Filing a claim for pothole damage
If your vehicle gets damaged from one of the city's open potholes, residents do have an option to file a claim for reimbursement for any damages to their vehicle.
But if previous years' data is any indication, the chances of getting reimbursed are very slim as not every claim submitted gets approved.
In 2020, only 16 of the 251 claims made by Indianapolis residents were paid out. 2019 was even lower, with 12 of the 169 claims paid out.
Here are the steps you should take if you plan to file a claim:
- File a tort claim on the Mayor's Action Center website or by calling them at 317-327-4622.
- Show photos of your damage.
- The claim must be made within 180 days.
- You must show receipts from bills you incurred for repairs.
For more on how to file a tort claim, click here. You can also download, then fill out a blank template by clicking here.
By law, the city has 90 days to process a tort claim.
The city recommends you submit the actual invoices for work completed on your car, not estimates.
RELATED: Data shows the City of Indianapolis only paid 2% of pothole claims in 2022
-
La Porte County deputy who was shot at hospital recovers after 8-hour surgery
La Porte County, Indiana, Deputy Jon Samuelson was in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery at a South Bend hospital following a shooting at a Michigan City hospital.
Colts wide receiver to ride in Fastest Seat in Sports at Indy 500
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce showcases his speed on the gridiron every Sunday during the football season. But, he'll experience an entirely different level of quickness this Sunday.
Andretti, Johnson, Indy 500 drivers remember Kyle Busch
The death of Kyle Busch rocked the racing world this week. Mario Andretti, Jimmie Johnson, and more drivers reflected on the impact Busch had on the sport.
A good time at Speedway's Rockin' on Main, despite the rain
Despite the rain and damp conditions, hundreds of people gathered on Friday evening for Rockin' on Main, keeping the annual tradition alive with music, food and family fun ahead of the Indianapolis 500.
