INDIANA — As temperatures fluctuate across the Hoosier State, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is officially kicking off “pothole season,” urging motorists to serve as extra eyes on the road.
Potholes are a common spring nuisance in Indiana, but their cause is a precise mechanical process. They form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement and freezes, expanding and pushing the asphalt upward. When the ice thaws, it leaves a hollow void beneath the surface. The weight of passing traffic then causes the weakened pavement to collapse, creating the hazards that plague daily commutes.
How to Report a Pothole
INDOT is responsible for maintaining interstates, U.S. highways, and state roads (e.g., I-65, US-50, or SR-37). If you spot a pothole on one of these routes, you can report it through the following official channels:
- Phone: Call 1-855-463-6848 (855-INDOT4U).
- Online: Visit www.indot4u.com to submit a report via their “Report a Concern” tool.
When reporting, officials suggest having specific details ready, including the county, the specific road number, the nearest mile marker or crossroad, and which lane the pothole is located in (e.g., “inside lane” or “shoulder”).
What If Your Vehicle is Damaged?
If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole on a state-maintained road, you may be eligible to file a Tort Claim.
- The Rule of Notice: Generally, the state or municipality must have been “on notice” about the pothole and given a reasonable amount of time to fix it before they can be held liable. This is why reporting every pothole you see is critical—it creates a paper trail.
- Timeline: Under Indiana law, you typically have 270 days to file a notice of tort claim against the state (local city or county deadlines may be shorter, often 180 days).
- Documentation: Take photos of the pothole and the damage to your vehicle immediately, and keep all repair receipts and mechanic statements.
Local vs. State Roads
It is important to note that INDOT does not maintain city streets or county roads.
- In Bedford: Potholes on city streets should be reported to the Bedford Street Department.
- In Lawrence County: Issues on county-managed roads should be directed to the Lawrence County Highway Department.
Most local agencies have their own dedicated reporting lines or online portals similar to INDOT’s system to help crews prioritize repairs during the busy spring surge.
