NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — First it was snow and ice, and now Middle Tennessee drivers are facing another hazard on the roads - potholes.
As the snow and ice begin to melt from area roads, drivers are starting to notice pesky potholes.
Crews from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have started patching the holes, but it will be a long process. Crews will have to use a cold mix to make temporary repairs until asphalt plants open regularly in the Spring.
Potholes form when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands, and then thaws, leaving a space that eventually caves in under vehicle traffic.
Stirling Guill, the Head Mechanic at Greg’s Auto Repair in East Nashville, said an encounter with a pothole can cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of damage to your car.
"You can blow a tire out, knock your alignment out, and really cause a lot of damage," said Guill. "It seems whenever we have snow and ice, we get a lot of calls for pothole damage, and ice damage in general on vehicles and doors."
Guill encouraged drivers to stay alert and keep an eye out for potholes.
"You really want to be able to see one coming, so can safely miss it."
Over the last week, TDOT has used approximately 27,500 tons of salt to help clear roads. Guill said that salt can also damage your car.
"It can destroy paint, rust sheet metal and underneath it will rust brake lines and other components that become a safety hazard," said Guill. "You really want to get your car cleaned now that temperatures are warming up."
As a grueling week of winter weather wraps up, drivers may still feel the impacts for months to come.
To report a pothole to TDOT visit: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/maintenance/maintenance-request.html
You can also report potholes to Metro Public Works through Hub Nashville: https://hub.nashville.gov/s/?language=en_US
