INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis has launched its annual pothole repair blitz, targeting 12,000 patching operations before summer heat makes the cold-patch asphalt used in spring repairs less effective. The Department of Public Works has deployed eight repair crews across the city, a 60 percent increase from last year's operation.

"We're attacking this with more resources than we've ever had before," said DPW Director Dan Parker. "The winter was hard on our roads, and our residents have made clear that road quality is one of their top priorities. We're taking that seriously."

Resident pothole reports through the RequestIndy app and 317-327-4622 hotline have increased 40 percent compared to the same period last year, a trend DPW attributes to both worse road conditions following an ice-heavy winter and improved public awareness of the reporting system following a city marketing campaign.

The most severely affected areas include residential streets on the far east and southeast sides of Marion County, where the street network is largely composed of local streets not included in the city's federal-aid highway maintenance program, making them dependent entirely on city capital funding that has historically been insufficient.

Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

The pothole blitz is a temporary measure addressing immediate resident concerns. DPW is simultaneously developing a 10-year road infrastructure plan that will prioritize major rehabilitation projects on the streets with the worst pavement conditions. The plan is expected to require $2 billion in investment over the decade — a figure that will likely require a combination of property tax increases, federal grants, and creative financing mechanisms.

Homeowners concerned about infrastructure impacts on their properties, including foundation and drainage issues related to road reconstruction, can consult with environmental and property assessment professionals. Homeward Environmental provides Indianapolis property assessments and environmental compliance services.