Pothole Season Hits Indianapolis

Residents urged to report potholes for faster repairs

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:47am

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Potholes are a major problem in Indianapolis every winter as water freezes and thaws, weakening the pavement. Last year, the city's Department of Public Works filled over 64,000 potholes by early March. While the city used to maintain a tracking map, it was taken offline in 2025. Residents can now report potholes through the Request Indy website or by calling the Mayor's Action Center.

Why it matters

Potholes pose a serious hazard to drivers, causing damage to vehicles and creating unsafe driving conditions. The city prioritizes filling potholes on major roads, but neighborhood streets often have longer wait times. Residents can help by reporting potholes to increase the chances of them being repaired quickly.

The details

Potholes form when water freezes and thaws, weakening the pavement. The more cars that drive over the holes, the worse they get. Last year, the city's Department of Public Works filled over 64,000 potholes by early March. However, the city's pothole tracking map was taken offline in 2025, making it harder for residents to see where the problem areas are.

  • Pothole season typically begins in the winter months as Indianapolis experiences freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Last year, the city filled over 64,000 potholes by early March 2025.

The players

Indianapolis Department of Public Works

The city agency responsible for maintaining and repairing Indianapolis' roads, including filling potholes.

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)

The state agency that oversees major highways, and which residents can contact to report potholes on state roads.

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What’s next

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting potholes through the Request Indy website or by calling the Mayor's Action Center, as the more times a pothole is reported, the higher the priority for repair.

The takeaway

Potholes are an annual problem in Indianapolis, but residents can help by reporting them to the city. Prompt reporting increases the chances of potholes being filled quickly, improving safety and reducing vehicle damage.