The City of Plano is offering reimbursements to drivers whose tires are blown out by potholes in the city.
Potholes have been a major concern for Plano residents. Plano’s senior risk analyst, Tim Billingham, said reimbursement claims have recently spiked.
“Usually we have anywhere from five to ten pothole claims a month,” Billingham told WFAA. “We’ve been averaging anywhere from 20 to 30 just because of all the construction going on.”
Drivers must front the initial cost of car repairs resulting from potholes, and Plano’s reimbursements are decided case-by-case. Drivers can find public claim forms on the city’s website and submit completed forms via mail, fax, or email.
Billingham said photos, invoices, and maximum details should be included as part of the claim. Furthermore, he explained that while contractors usually fill potholes temporarily during construction, those efforts can be hampered due to inclement weather, which can wash out the temporary filling.
“We ask for your patience because we’ve had so many [claims] coming in,” Billingham said, adding that he understands why drivers are upset but maintains that the construction is needed to improve Plano’s roadways.
Construction crews are currently working to replace cast-iron water lines with PVC pipes at Parker Road between Independence Parkway and Country Place Drive. The city said the project is 70% finished and the pavement will be repaired after the pipes are replaced, as reported by WFAA.
While the construction may be necessary, the potholes are still a burden to local drivers.
“It’s a headache,” said Dustin English, an Uber Eats driver who recently spent several days of income on repairs after hitting a pothole on Parker Road.
“The pothole was so large that it yanked the steering wheel out of my hands and I tried to correct it,” English said to WFAA. “I shot over into the following lane … If somebody was next to me, I probably would have hit them.”
“It was flat by the time I pulled over,” English continued. “Five minutes after me hitting a pothole, it was another driver with the same issue.”
English added that he cannot afford to purchase a new tire and is now driving on a used tire as he continues to work.
“I’ll go over any side streets just to avoid this part of Parker,” he said.
Potholes and street maintenance have been an issue in the City of Dallas as well. In a satisfaction survey released by the municipality last year, a plurality of Dallas residents believe street maintenance in the city is poor.
As the 2024 Bond Proposal approaches, the Community Bond Task Force (CBTF) has recommended allocating $375 million toward streets and transportation, while City staff recommended an allocation of $532 million. However, some activists have argued that more funding should be directed toward housing, as reported by The Dallas Express.
A directive from Mayor Eric Johnson indicates his support for the CBTF’s recommendations. Still, the mayor has maintained that potholes are among his highest priorities for Dallas, along with public safety, property tax reform, and the public park system.
