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UTAH COUNTY -- Motorists faced long delays on southbound Interstate 15 through Utah County Friday as crews worked on repairing potholes.
Utah Department of Transportation crews did emergency pothole repairs on southbound I-15 between Lehi and American Fork. The work began at 8 a.m., and traffic was backed up beginning just after the Highland/Alpine SR-92 exit.
"My daughter hit one of those potholes and hit the Jersey barrier after her rear tire blew out. Now UDOT's claims people are saying they won't authorize repairs." -- David L. Fawcett
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UDOT says these are major repairs necessary to keep the freeway safe until the rebuild of I-15 is complete.
Crews weren't just filling the potholes, they were actually grinding up the asphalt and replacing them with new sections of pavement.
"We're milling down about 4 inches in these pothole areas, and then we are completely resurfacing that with hot mix asphalt," said UDOT spokeswoman Heather Barnum.
UDOT has tried temporary patches in the past, but with the cold weather they won't hold. UDOT says it had no choice but to do the repairs during the day when the temperatures are higher.
"Between the heavy precipitation, the fluctuating temperatures and, of course, the deteriorating asphalt that we're working to repair on the I-15 CORE project, all of those things mixed together have caused several potholes that have now become a safety issue," Barnum said. "We do need to go out and repair those during these drier, warmer temperatures and then be off before the afternoon commute."
Between the heavy precipitation, the fluctuating temperatures and, of course, the deteriorating asphalt ... all of those things mixed together have caused several potholes that have now become a safety issue.
–Heather Barnum, UDOT
#barnum_quote
Dozens of drivers have filed claims with the state asking for money to help with repairs on their cars after blowing tires or experiencing other damages from potholes.
Barnum says it's typical for departments of transportation around the country not to pay out money for pothole damage to cars because it's a normal winter-driving hazard. She does, however, say there is a process for claims to be filed and the state's insurance agency will review those claims.
Barnum also suggests trying to work with your private insurance provider.
UDOT crews reopened all southbound lanes just before 3 p.m. Friday, but these pothole repairs won't be the last. Similar lane closures will take place for the northbound lanes in the same stretch of road Tuesday.
Barnum says this repaving should last through the winter, but there still could be closures and repairs on other sections of the freeway in the construction zone as the winter continues.
The good news for drivers is that by this time next year, a substantial part of the freeway will be on brand new concrete, and potholes on I-15 will be a thing of the past.
"We have this deteriorating asphalt that has been in place for decades, that obviously needs to be replaced," Barnum said. "When we replace it, it will be a 40-year-old, harder, more durable concrete, not asphalt and that should get us through may winters to come."
For more information on the I-15 Core construction project and to ask about filing a claim, you can call the project hotline at 1-888-I15-CORE.
Get traffic updates on KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM/1160 AM.
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Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod and Randall Jeppesen.
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