Crews are working to quickly fill and repair potholes that are creating traffic delays around the metro area this morning.
Heavy spring rains are causing potholes to pop up on several major highways as crews are out in full force trying to fill them, said Stacey Stegman, spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“It’s that type of season, when it rains this happens,” Stegman said. “They’ll be out all day going from pothole to pothole.”
Currently, one lane of eastbound U.S. 285 is closed near Quebec Street. Several potholes and delays have been reported on the highway in both directions.
Crews are working to repair a large pothole on eastbound U.S. 285 between Kipling Street and Wadsworth Boulevard, Stegman said.
Several potholes are also causing problems on Interstate 70 including delays near Peoria Street.
A pothole in the center lane of eastbound Interstate 70 near Quebec Street is causing delays, where six cars with flat tires were reported to be sitting on the right-hand shoulder.
“When its’s this wet we have to use quick patches,” Stegman said. “It’s going to be pretty rough until this dries out.”
A quick filler is used to fill the potholes and act as a temporary patch until warmer weather dries out the roads, and crews do a permanent repair.
Potholes can form just about anywhere, but areas with construction and bridge platforms – like the one near I-70 and Vasquez Boulevard – can become trouble spots, Stegman said.
If a vehicle is damaged after hitting a pothole, drivers are asked to remain in their cars or, if the vehicle is drivable, get off the highway and onto a side street or parking lot, Stegman said.
Anyone who sees a pothole on a major highway or interstate can report it to CDOT by calling 1-800-999-4997.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
