TDOT Begins Statewide Pothole Repairs Following Winter Storm

TDOT crews will begin repairing potholes across Tennessee in the coming days and weeks, weather permitting, following road damage caused by a prolonged winter weather event.

The statewide maintenance effort will focus on interstates and state routes, with multiple crews using cold-mix asphalt to stabilize roadways as quickly as possible. Permanent repairs using hot-mix asphalt are planned for spring and early summer when asphalt plants resume production.

Motorists should expect short-term traffic delays during some repair operations. TDOT officials say crews will try to work during off-peak hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, though lane closures may extend into evenings and weekends as needed.

TDOT Commissioner Will Reid said the department plans ahead for winter weather impacts and has contracts in place to allow crews to mobilize quickly and begin repairs while prioritizing safety.

During the extended winter storm, TDOT crews worked around the clock for eight consecutive days clearing interstates, reopening state routes, and assisting motorists. As conditions improved, crews expanded efforts to support local governments, particularly in Middle and West Tennessee, which experienced the most severe impacts.

Preliminary response data show TDOT crews logged approximately 99,000 staff hours, used 73,000 tons of salt, applied 1.7 million tons of brine, drove more than 605,000 miles, and assisted nearly 3,000 motorists. Thousands of trees were also cleared. Officials note those figures may increase following final review.

TDOT reminds motorists to use caution near work zones and comply with Tennessee’s “Work With Us – Move Over, Slow Down” law.

 

Drivers can report potholes by calling the TDOTFIX Hotline at 833-TDOTFIX during weekday business hours or by submitting an online maintenance request. Road conditions and live traffic cameras are available through TDOT’s SmartWay system.