Hole Patrol UPDATE - "Monster" slain, Pothole Battle Continues

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DPW crews bring out the big guns in pothole battle (artist's representation)

City pothole crews this week beat back "The Monster of 75th Street," a yawning crater of automotive Armageddon, but were still fighting to contain a contagion of even worse street destruction.

Shovels may not be enough, officials said, and they contemplated deploying heavy armor (see illustration) against the threat. 

Meanwhile, Monument Circle correspondents across the city reported battles of their own:

"Really? Have you seen Guion Road," Karen said. "It looks like a meteor shower hit it."

“Apparently you’ve never been on the Eastside,” said Nick.

“Try South Belmont,” reported Allen. “You can’t drive a foot without hitting one”
 
Any signs of progress? Sunshine and warmer weather brought hope, but the fight was far from over.


 Previously: : Meet “The Monster,” Indy’s worst pothole


On the far northeast side amid the suburban streets near a busy high school, lurks the Monster of 75th Street.

Pothole stories fill the news each spring. A candidate for mayor decries the futile efforts to stem the tide of tire damage and wrecked suspensions. 

Yes, there are many potholes, but The Monster of 75th Street is the worst - easily swallowing a DPW cone the way a hungry bear grabs a hapless squirrel.

Like real estate, it’s about location: On a street so pockmarked that cars weave perilously across the centerline to dodge the craters, The Monster is ready. Dodge the others, this beast of the shattered pavement says, but I swallow the unwary in my angry maw.

Drivers now have their worst potholes memorized, knowing when to edge to the side, slow down or even stop until it’s safe to creep through the yawning cliffs of shattered pavement. But The Monster waits, patiently and without pity.

You may have a monster of your own. If so, let us know at the Monument Circle Facebook page. The monsters fear nothing but the shovels of spring, and their time is coming if the people will rise up.

- John Strauss, jcs1122@yahoo.com




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