Warmer weather brings potholes

Spokane residents like Roya Tavakol are learning the hard way that the city’s quick thaw is leaving larger, deeper and more jagged potholes along commuters’ paths.

Tovakol, in a hurry and on her way to work, exited Interstate 90 at Lincoln Street, only to have the right front tire of her maroon Nissan Sentra plunge into a 5- to 6-inch pothole.

“I’m glad they extended the highway and all, but they need to do some more repairs,” Tavakol said. “The ruts during the rain are really dangerous, too.”

City officials, meanwhile, are reminding motorists to be extra cautious during the holiday season as they traverse rapidly thawing roads.

Since Monday, about 70 people have called the city, mostly about potholes, although that is normal after a thaw, said Staci Lehman, public information coordinator for the city of Spokane’s Engineering Services Department.

“This is comparable to most times after a thaw,” Lehman said, “but what’s different is that the potholes are a lot more hazardous because of how quick the thaw came.”

Temperatures raced from the 20s to 40s during the week, cracking and crumbling pavement faster than usual, Lehman said.

Many of the complaints have come from North Side drivers concerned about conditions along Indian Trail Road to Market Street.

Another worry, Lehman said, is that while the air temperature might feel like it does in early spring, the roads are still colder. This means that moisture in the air is freezing on the ground and creating black ice; several calls Friday morning were about just that, she said.

Being safe is just as important as understanding that the city might not always pay for every claim a person brings, said Mike Threlfall of Spokane’s Risk Management Department.

“I know they’ve denied claims before,” Threlfall said, adding that claims adjusters – those who know the most about it – were out of the office Friday. “People just need to remain aware of the conditions.”

Lehman said some people mistakenly think they are entitled to reimbursement for any vehicle damage caused by potholes. However, a person can contact Risk Management or call Spokane’s Pothole Hotline to make a damage claim, she said.

“I’m sure it’s a long and drawn-out process. … People must demonstrate that (they did hit something) and there was damage,” Lehman said. “It’s nothing where you can come and line up for cash.”

Road crews are out and filling as many potholes as they can while the weather cooperates.