Omaha drivers are doing their best to avoid hitting large potholes that have sprung up during the recent freeze-thaw cycle.
Omaha street crews have filled between 200-300 potholes in the month of January and many more calls are being received by the mayor's hotline. Street Maintenance Engineer Austin Rowser says after clearing snow and ice earlier this week, more crews are now out filling the holes.
Rowser says due to the amount of water in the potholes they are using cold patches as a quick fix. "That cold patch material will hold in there a little better with that much moisture. A hot patch will tend to pop out a little easier with an overnight freeze."
He says depending on traffic condition the cold patches may last one day or two years. As crews work as fast as they can, many metro area drivers are feeling the effects of the bone jarring potholes.
There have been a number of blown tires and other damage that has required trips to the body shop. If you plan on filing a claim for damages, you will have to do it at the City Clerk's office.
Assistant City Attorney Jeff Bloom tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB the city evaluates each claim on a case by case basis. The City is protected under a state law called the political subdivision tort claim act.
"What that says is that we have to have notice and a reasonable opportunity to fix the pothole prior to us being liable for any damages."
City officials urge drivers to report problem potholes to the mayor's hotline at 444-5555. The main streets get top priority, but city crews will make it to areas where reports are received.
Christopher Goodman filed a claim after hitting a pot
He turned in his claim to the city, one of about 100 the city receives every year. The city sent him a letter, signed by Deputy City Attorney Michelle Peters, denying his claim.
"In the last two years, we haven't paid any claim related to a pothole," Peters said.
Peters said the city is protected under a state law called the political subdivision tort claim act.
"Under that act, it gives the city the ability to determine whether there is a problem, " Peters said. "We have to be on notice there is an issue and we have reasonable time to make repairs. Under that standard,we have made determination we are not liable for those claims."
Goodman wants to know who is protecting him and other taxpayers.
"What am I paying taxes for? Just for the city to do something else with," Goodman said.
Peters said it's also up to drivers to bear some responsibility, knowing they live in a pothole laden city.
She said they can't fix a pothole, if they don't know about it.
"The city has 5,000 lane miles of roadway and we can't be everywhere at once. We have to be able to have notice of the defect and fix it in a reasonable amount of time, " Peters said.
Peters encourages residents to report potholes when you see one. Call the Mayor's Hotline at 402-444-5555.