LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Heavy rains moving through central Arkansas are leaving behind messy road conditions.
"The last several months with all the constant rains we've been swamped with a lot of potholes,” Eric Petty with Little Rock Public Works said.
They're a pain to drive around, but pothole season is officially upon us.
"We're up to about 85 potholes just since Monday. We've got five crews running potholes today,” Petty said.
Petty said the department gets over 20 calls a day.
"Normally we get closer to six or seven a day,” he said.
He said the ground is so wet, the water gets under the asphalt and ruins it.
"Once that washes away it causes a void under the street. Those potholes will be caused when the asphalt actually caves down into the void left by the water,” he said.
Crews are currently using a cold mix to temporarily repair potholes. It is too wet and cold for crews to use a permanent mix.
“Next week, we're going to be able to get dry hot mix material, we're going to be able to get a lot more going,” Petty said.
Petty said crews will still work through the wet weather to get the roads fixed. But he says drivers need to be extra aware over the next few days, in case more potholes pop up.
"Be careful also, some of the potholes can get deep really quick and cause damage to vehicles,” Petty said.
Petty said if you do see a pothole that needs repair, then you should call 3-1-1 to report it as soon as possible.