With the winter season in full swing, the active weather pattern and bitterly cold temperatures are not the only winter blues people are complaining about. The pothole epidemic seems to be the frontrunner frustration throughout the city of Milwaukee.

When driving along the streets it’s becoming even more difficult to dodge the ten-inch holes forming with every turn. With one of the snowiest winters in years, the roadways are taking a major beating. Cecilia Gilbert, communications director of Milwaukee Public Works, said, “The number of potholes has already doubled the amount of last year.”

One of the major causes for the rapid increase in potholes is due to the variably changing temperatures: “When the roads freeze and then thaw it weakens the asphalt,” Gilbert said. “Moisture also gets seeped in and then cracks.”

Gilbert assured that the work crews are doing the best they can to help resolve the issue. “People are out doing pothole repairs unless there’s a severe storm,” Gilbert said. They also brought in an extra crew a month earlier, due to the 45 percent increase in complaints from drivers.

While the city believes they are doing their best effort to address the problem, others have differing views. “The city needs to do a better job in fulfilling our needs because we deal with it every day,” said University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee senior Kayla Pierce. “I have a leak on a passenger side of the car and drive 10 mph because they are so deep.”

Body repair shops’ businesses seem to be booming, thanks to the damage roads are causing to cars. “We are seeing anything from bent rims to popped tires, with damages ranging from $25 to $350,”said Mike of Tom’s Auto Maintenance.

Because of the heavy beating and damages cars are sustaining, drivers can call to report a pothole. “If it doesn’t get taken care of in three days or sooner, the damages will be awarded free,” said Gilbert.

Another UWM student, Erin Enters, has heard about calling the potholes in to the city, but feels the calls go unanswered. “I know about a dozen friends who have called about Locust, but it’s been two weeks and nothing been filled,” Enters said.

High-traffic streets like Oakland and Locust seem to be experiencing the worst damage, making this the hardest spot for the city to fill potholes. “They need to find a better way to fill because I saw them fill on Capitol and Oakland quickly, but then cars drive right over it and it doesn’t last long,” said UWM sophomore Christine Beldin.

In hopes of keeping Milwaukee streets safe, the city is facing another issue with salt. This unusual winter has caused the city to go through 83,000 tons of salt to date, compared to last year’s winter, with 55,000 tons. With only 12,000 tons left in store, Gilbert said, “We have just enough salt for the next couple weeks.” The next delivery comes in around mid-March, but they are currently working with vendors to get additional salt sooner.

Buckle up and hold that steering wheel tight, and hopefully Mother Nature will be kinder to Milwaukee in the remaining winter months.

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