Wayne County Crews Tackle Potholes Amid Winter Damage; Report Issues via 24-Hour Hotline

Road crews patch potholes across more than 5,000 miles of Wayne County streets. Winter has left its mark. They work every day, filling gaps with cold patch—a temporary asphalt mix that sticks even when conditions turn wet or frozen.

"We are out every day," said Joseph Tomocik, Assistant Division Director for Wayne County Roads, according to The Metro Detroit News.

Cold patch fills holes while making streets safer. This method isn't permanent, but it lets crews act fast when weather makes traditional fixes impossible.

"In the winter, we're focused on volume and safety," Tomocik said. "The roads are wet, the ground underneath is soft, and we're trying to make things safer for the motoring public."

Wayne County also oversees about 300 miles of gravel streets, which present their own challenges as temperatures climb and frozen earth begins to thaw. Water seeps up through softened ground, turning solid paths into muddy, unstable tracks that can't support traffic.

"When that happens, traffic just makes it worse," Tomocik said. "You get potholes forming quickly, and sometimes we can't fully grade the road until it dries out."

Crews keep reshaping these routes until conditions improve. Some gravel streets remain unpaved on purpose. They're called "natural beauty roads," and they're kept that way because residents like how they look.

The work never stops. Officials say complaints roll in, but teams push forward across a vast area, handling both paved and unpaved surfaces while trying to stay ahead of new damage.

Drivers can call 1-888-ROAD-CREW anytime to report potholes or other problems. Crews check reported spots within 48 hours.