Metro Detroit Road Crews Address Early Pothole Season as Freeze-Thaw Cycle Damages Pavement

Road crews throughout Metro Detroit are confronting an unusually early pothole season. Freeze-thaw cycles have started wreaking havoc on pavement. This type of damage doesn't usually occur until late March or early April. County teams patrol streets while public service workers patch trouble spots before deterioration accelerates.

"As the temperatures have risen, we are starting to see some potholes pop up. We are now in pothole season, today, in Wayne County," said Scott Cabauatan, Deputy Director of Public Services for Wayne County, Michigan, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Water seeps into pavement cracks. It freezes. Expansion happens. When thawing begins, holes appear. Snow complicates things. Road salt accelerates breakdown. Repeated temperature swings worsen the destruction.

Teams in Wayne County spent Monday patrolling corridors like Six Mile, searching for bigger holes and hairline cracks that might widen. Oakland County crews worked along Woodward Avenue, locating and filling damaged sections. Detroit's Street Maintenance Division dispatches workers each day to repair reported hazards.

"What the crew is doing today is they are finding a couple of potholes that maybe are a little larger sized, but they are also filling in some of the cracks and smaller ones so they don't become a bigger pothole," Cabauatan said, as per Click on Detroit.

The city repairs potholes within three days of requests being entered into Improve Detroit when weather permits, according to a statement from Director of Public Works Rob Brundidge, part of which was shared by Click on Detroit.

Drivers face consequences from deteriorating road conditions. Willie Hines said he needs work done on his car and truck after hitting holes. Stuart Hicks described the roads as "almost a minefield to navigate," according to Click on Detroit.

Wheel Repair Specialist in Ferndale sees more customers bringing in damaged wheels and tires. The shop handles between 70 and 100 wheels per day for bend repairs and crack repairs, according to Angelo Grazioli, as reported by Click On Detroit.

Bryan Santo said crews stand ready with materials and patrols but must wait for pavement to dry before beginning repairs. "We do have crews out patrolling daily for potholes," Santo said to a local media outlet. "We have the materials. The cold patch. Our patrols are out there daily like I said. We're ready."

Officials urge residents to report road hazards when spotted so teams can respond faster. Cabauatan reminded drivers to slow down and give workers extra room when passing repair operations.

Detroit residents can report potholes through the Improve Detroit app or the city's website. Oakland County residents can file reports online through the Road Commission. Wayne County residents can call 1-888-ROAD CREW.