Pothole season typically comes later in the year, but Des Moines Public Works received nearly 100 reports of potholes that needed to be patched in December.
That’s low compared to the nearly 630 reports of potholes in Des Moines in February 2024 after more than 2 feet of snow followed by rapid warming temperatures.
This winter’s more consistent temperatures have kept the reports low.
“We haven’t had a lot of freeze/thaw with water available with the recent storms,” Des Moines Public Works Director Jonathan Gano wrote in an email to the Register. “That’s what causes the damage. It’s been consistently cold, so just one freeze.”
Potholes typically become a problem during late February and early March when temperatures rise above freezing in the day and drop again in the evening. So when the time comes, will the city pay for damage to vehicles caused by potholes?
Does the city of Des Moines have to cover pothole-related damage?
No. Cities must have prior notice of a particular condition and must fail to repair that condition in a reasonable time person after the notice in order to be liable.
While social media posts may claim you can easily submit a claim to the city and get reimbursed, you’re not likely to recover any repair costs.
The city of Des Moines has never paid a claim for pothole-related damages, David Derong with the city manager’s office told the Register.
What causes potholes?
Don Dade with Des Moines Public Works fills potholes along Kingman Boulevard between 35th and 42nd on March 2, 2021, in Des Moines. To report a pothole you can call the Public Works customer service line at 515-283-4950, submit a request online or via the myDSM mobile app.
Potholes form when the top layer of the pavement and the material beneath can not support the weight of traffic. Water seeps through the cracks of the pavement into the lower level. The moisture cannot drain out saturating the lower levels.
The moisture repeatedly freezes and thaws resulting in the expanded ice lifts and and cracks in the pavement, according to the American Public Works Association. Voids are created under the pavement, which collects water. As vehicles drive over the weekend pavement, the surface eventually collapses into the void.
How to report potholes in Des Moines
The city asks drivers to report potholes, especially on side and residential streets. Most potholes are repaired in 24 to 48 hours after a report.
Anyone can report a pothole in Des Moines by calling 515-283-4950, filling out a form on the city’s website or by using the myDSMmobile app.
Other metro area cities have their own apps or online forms for reports in their cities. For roads managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, visit iowadot.gov/districts to find the local operations office.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How to report potholes in Des Moines, and what causes them