Indianapolis DPW Using Hot Mix to Fill Potholes

Crews taking advantage of warmer weather to make more permanent repairs

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is ramping up pothole-filling efforts across the city, using hot mix asphalt to make more durable repairs as the weather fluctuates between cold and warm. Crews are working to address problem areas like Arlington Avenue, which has seen an increase in potholes in recent years, causing damage to vehicles and frustrating drivers.

Why it matters

Potholes are a persistent issue in Indianapolis due to the city's freeze-thaw weather cycles, and can pose safety risks and lead to costly vehicle repairs if left unaddressed. The DPW's use of hot mix, a more permanent solution, aims to provide longer-lasting fixes and improve road conditions for drivers.

The details

The DPW is taking advantage of the recent warm weather to strip and patch roads, rather than just filling individual potholes. Crews are using hot mix asphalt, which provides a more durable repair compared to the temporary cold patch method used during colder months. One of the problem areas being addressed is Arlington Avenue, which has seen a rise in potholes in recent years, forcing drivers to swerve or drive on the grass to avoid damage to their vehicles.

  • Pothole-filling season is steadily underway in Indianapolis.
  • On Monday, crews worked on South Harding Street between West Troy Avenue and Bluff Road.

The players

Indianapolis Department of Public Works

The city agency responsible for maintaining Indianapolis' roads and infrastructure.

Adam Pinsker

Public Information Officer for the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

James Watson

An Indianapolis driver who has noticed an increase in potholes in recent years.

Zack Wilson

An Indianapolis driver who has had to navigate around potholes on the city's roads.

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What they’re saying

“We know how the weather is here, and the more we see this cold, warm, rain, cold, warm, rain, rinse and repeat, the more we see potholes.”

— Adam Pinsker, Public Information Officer, Indianapolis Department of Public Works (fox59.com)

“When I was younger, I don't recall them being as bad as they are now, but over the past few years, especially, it seems to be a continuing problem.”

— James Watson (fox59.com)

“At least some people are courteous to stop and wait for others to go drive in the middle of the road or the other side of the road, or even on the grass to get around.”

— Zack Wilson (fox59.com)

What’s next

The DPW plans to continue addressing pothole-prone areas like Arlington Avenue as weather permits, using the more durable hot mix asphalt to provide longer-lasting repairs.

The takeaway

Indianapolis' ongoing battle with potholes highlights the challenges cities face in maintaining roads during fluctuating weather conditions. The DPW's shift to using hot mix asphalt represents a proactive approach to providing more permanent solutions and improving road safety for drivers.