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Podcasts Off-Ramp
Suspension of disbelief: We watch a pothole actually being filled in downtown Los Angeles
Off-Ramp with John Rabe Hero Image
(
Dan Carino
)
Aug 10, 2015
Listen • 4:49
Suspension of disbelief: We watch a pothole actually being filled in downtown Los Angeles
KPCC's Sharon McNary hangs out in downtown Los Angeles watching dozens of cars hit a pothole, until city workers fill it up.
A pothole in the intersection at 8th Street and Bixel Ave. threatens drivers wheels as they cross to get onto the 110 Freeway.
A pothole in the intersection at 8th Street and Bixel Ave. threatens drivers wheels as they cross to get onto the 110 Freeway.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
Los Angeles city worker Hugo Vasquez reviews a pothole that needs filling at 8th Street and Bixel Ave. downtown.
Los Angeles city worker Hugo Vasquez reviews a pothole that needs filling at 8th Street and Bixel Ave. downtown.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
Los Angeles city worker Hugo Vasquez shovels asphalt into a pothole.
Los Angeles city worker Hugo Vasquez shovels asphalt into a pothole.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
A city worker rakes hot asphalt to smooth it over a pothole.
A city worker rakes hot asphalt to smooth it over a pothole.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)
Loose asphalt is raked across a pothole
Loose asphalt is raked across a pothole
(
Sharon McNary
)
City worker Hugo Vasquez uses a Wacker (yes, that's its brand name) to compact hot asphalt into a pothole.
City worker Hugo Vasquez uses a Wacker (yes, that's its brand name) to compact hot asphalt into a pothole.
(
Sharon McNary/KPCC
)

KPCC's Sharon McNary hangs out in downtown Los Angeles watching dozens of cars hit a pothole, until city workers fill it up.

How bad are L.A.'s roads? Pretty bad. A new report says potholes and other hazards add more than $1,000 to the annual expense of operating the average vehicle.

KPCC infrastructure reporter Sharon McNary recently went out to see potholes being filled at 8th and Bixel at an entrance to the 110 downtown.

The road crew made quick work of it, and she met a homeless man named Anthony - and his cat Thanksgiving - who sees hundreds of suspension meeting their demise every day.

(Panhandler Anthony works the 8th and Bixel entrance to the 110 in downtown Los Angeles. Credit: Sharon McNary)

But what happens when a reporter isn’t watching? She wants to know your story, so please fill out her quick and easy survey and stay tuned for updates.