Why do we still have potholes?
There’s no question 2C paving has improved the condition of roads citywide, paving 1,441 lane miles of roadway since 2016. Even with these massive improvements, potholes continue as a reality in Colorado Springs.
The Pikes Peak Region experiences freeze-thaw cycles and drastic temperature swings on a near daily basis during the winter, as well as the late fall and early spring. That constant expansion and contraction of liquid (from rain or snow) in the pavement, combined with the weight and stress of traffic on the roadway, forms potholes.
In 2022, our maintenance and operations staff filled 62,303 potholes. And our City teams work to fill most potholes in less than two weeks from the time they are reported, and most are fixed sooner.
While 2C funds don’t directly address filling potholes, having dedicated funding for paving frees up funding for other types of preventive roadway maintenance, like filling potholes on streets yet to be repaved.
Of course, filling potholes is a temporary fix used to make roads suitable for travel and safe for residents. However, since this is combined with historic repaving efforts, people who live in Colorado Springs are experiencing a safer, smoother drive citywide.
GoCOS! App lets you report potholes
There are more than 6,480 lane miles of roadway in Colorado Springs. That’s enough to stretch from here to Ancient Olympia, Greece. Crews proactively go out and fill potholes, but with so many roads to cover, we still need your help! Report potholes or other street maintenance needs by:
- Downloading the GoCOS! app on your iPhone or Android device
- Visiting our website
- Calling 719-385-7623 (ROAD)