‘It’s just a fact of life’: City crews at work as potholes emerge across Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Now that the snow is melting, potholes have been popping up around Lincoln.

But officials with the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department said its crews are working to get them fixed.

There are five crews canvassing the city for trouble spots, while two other crews are focusing on requests made by the public.

Clayton Engelman, the transportation maintenance coordinator, said it’s an ongoing process.

“Every time we get some snowfall and that temperature drop with that freeze/thaw cycle, we almost have to start over,” he said.

One Lincoln resident said he’s worried about the damage potholes can cause to vehicles.

“People are all over the roads trying to avoid these,” said Hunter, who didn’t give his last name. “They’re springing up all over town, and some of them, they’re up to your elbow in depth. It’s going to be a rough season, that’s for sure.”

Terry Patzel, another resident, said while roads may look rough now, they’ll be fixed soon enough.

“I think if you give them some time, they’ll get to them,” he said. “With freezing and then the rain and then freeze again, it’s just a fact of life.”

Depending on how big a hole is, Engelman said it can take just a few minutes to patch.

He said everyone is doing their best to fill every hole.

“Hopefully in the next week, we’ll see a good improvement on just the number of potholes that are out there,” Engelman said.