MICHIGAN (March 13, 2014) — The Michigan Department of Transportation announced Thursday that they could be spending as much as $17.6 million on pothole repairs this year.
MDOT spent $8.8 million last year, and in a release said they could spend double in 2014. They don’t anticipate spending less than $13.2 million.
“The best way to prevent potholes is to keep roads in better shape to begin with,” said State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle in a release. “Unfortunately, without the proper investment in roads, MDOT, county road commissions and city public works departments are left little choice but to spend more each year filling potholes – which we all know is not a permanent fix.”
MDOT also released driving tips during what they are calling “one of Michigan’s worst pothole seasons ever.”
MDOT Tips:
- Drive cautiously and avoid tailgating so you have time to avoid any potholes you’re approaching
- Properly inflated tires in good condition handle potholes better than worn, over-inflated or under-inflated tires.
- Report potholes on state trunkline (I, M or US routes) to MDOT’s webpage or the Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546. They said this will help them get fixed faster.
