JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A surge in potholes and cave-ins across Jacksonville has created a backlog of repair requests, prompting the city to double the number of crews assigned to fix the problem.

New data obtained by Action News Jax shows 157 pothole and cave-in repair requests are currently listed as in progress for October, and the month is not yet halfway over.

According to the city, an “in progress” designation means a request has been made to repair pavement.

The data also shows the city has already completed 168 pothole and cave-in repair requests so far this month.

Melissa Ross, the city’s director of strategic initiatives and press liaison, said Jacksonville is experiencing a higher-than-average number of repair requests.

“We do have a higher than average number of open requests for repairs out there. And what the city is doing is they’ve doubled up crews, put a lot of additional manpower out there onto the streets to get the potholes repaired,” Ross said.

Ross said the recent rainy weather is largely to blame for the increase.

“More rain tends to mean more potholes. It weakens the asphalt. It necessitates more repairs. The crews had to wait for the rain to let up, but now they’re out there in full force working on those repairs,” Ross said.

According to Action News Jax’s First Alert Weather Team, some Jacksonville neighborhoods have received more than 16 inches of rain so far this month.

The city has also dealt with larger roadway issues. Action News Jax reported Sunday on a massive cave-in that closed the intersection of Prudential Drive and Hendricks Avenue after a vehicle became stuck.

When asked how long it could take to address the growing number of requests, Ross said the city is working as quickly as possible.

“The short answer is, as soon as we possibly can,” Ross said.

Residents who need to report a pothole or cave-in can submit a request through MyJax or call 630-CITY.

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