Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced notable progress in its efforts to maintain the city's streets this winter. More than 143,000 potholes have been filled across Chicago in 2024. The department has been operating every day of the week with up to 25 crews assigned throughout the city. This strategy allows CDOT to respond quickly to 311 requests and proactively address thousands of potholes daily when there is no precipitation.

"CDOT has capitalized on this winter’s mild weather, enabling us to fill a significantly larger number of potholes in the first two months than we have in recent years," stated CDOT Acting Commissioner Tom Carney. "This head start will allow us to shift our focus from patching to paving earlier in the season and deliver other long-term infrastructure improvements to every Chicago neighborhood."

Potholes are primarily caused by the freeze-thaw cycle where moisture seeps into pavement, expands upon freezing, and contracts when it thaws. This process, along with vehicular traffic stress, leads to pavement deterioration.

CDOT's efforts have led to a significant increase in pothole repairs compared to previous years. February alone saw more than 93,000 potholes filled—a 63 percent increase from February 2023 and a doubling compared to February 2022 figures. The mild winter conditions and proactive response mean fewer new potholes are expected by season's end, allowing for an earlier transition from patching duties to repaving services.

In 2024, CDOT plans to resurface about 150 miles of streets and alleys. This includes nearly two miles of South Ashland Avenue in Auburn Gresham where current patching activities are taking place.

Alderman David Moore emphasized the importance of these efforts: "Quickly repairing our streets and responding to pothole complaints are the type of neighborhood services that make a big difference in quality of life for residents. I thank CDOT for their efforts and I encourage residents to call 311 to report potholes in their neighborhood."

Residents can report street or alley locations needing attention via several methods: through the website at 311.chicago.gov, using the CHI311 mobile app, or calling directly at 311.

Motorists encountering CDOT crews are advised to slow down and provide space for workers performing repairs safely.