South Bend streets department looking to get ahead of pothole problems

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — a lot of people may be looking forward to warmer weather but not too many like what comes next.

This brutal winter has left quite a few unwelcomed parting gifts in the streets of South Bend and now drivers say they’re bracing for the inevitable pothole problems.

Rough roads have left some drivers with horror stories.

“I saw a car ride by me hit one and the tire flew off,” said driver Macey Parker. “Be patient, drive slow and watch out for the potholes.”

That’s sound advice, but some folks behind the wheel say those hole-filled hazards are hard to dodge.

“You literally have to travel down the middle of the road so you don’t mess up your ties,” driver Theresa Baker.

Some people say Western Avenue is a doozy.

Others say Sample Street left their cars shaky.

Officials at South Bend’s Street Department say they’re on it.

“Pretty much since snow has been off the roads we’ve been out patching,” said Derick Roberts, the director of South Bend Streets and Sewers. “It is difficult because the asphalt plants don’t open to mid-April so we do have to throw in a cold mix to fill the potholes.”

The city is looking to get ahead of the problem.

Friday it utilized two hot box crews and two road patchers.

If crews haven’t gotten around to your neighborhood, Give 311 a call.