MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Potholes have become the bane of Memphis drivers and an ongoing problem the city is trying to deal with.
Could artificial intelligence be part of the solution?
Memphis is spread out. There are 6,800 lane-miles of city streets, and for years efforts to pave them went unfunded. Teams rely heavily on the public to report potholes.
Now the city’s public works director says they’re using artificial intelligence and machine learning to try to tackle the problem.
“Technology is the future, as we all know. We are very fortunate to partner with Google Cloud and Spring ML,” said Memphis Public Works Director Robert Knecht.
The teams showed us the device attached to a city car that they are training to efficiently and accurately identify potholes.
“We’re working on it now, and it’s really showing tremendous benefits,” Knecht said. “I get contacted from other cities and they say, ‘Wow, you guys are making this cutting-edge technology tool.’ how? How can we do it?’
Drivers tell the WREG Investigators they avoid potholes in every neighborhood. If you get one right, it could cost you. AAA reports that repairs average around $600.
Quincy Wadley owns a Fry Guys food truck and recently said it feels like an obstacle course driving around town.
He said he avoided trouble until recently, when a semi truck kicked up debris into a hole and shattered his windshield.
“The potholes are very bad,” he said. “And they just fill the holes with little stones. They come right back.
Knecht said the technology they’re using opens up many doors, such as eventually attaching the device to a self-driving car. He said they are also trying to train him to identify exterior code violations, starting with overgrown grass.
Instead of relying on a 311 report, the device will notify them and they will send an inspector to take action.
“Now, how well can we teach the model to provide us with a reliable breach that occurs beyond overgrown grass. Is there a vehicle parked on the lawn? Is there a broken window?” Knecht said. “There are so many options from an outside offense standpoint that would help us.”
Knecht said this could help the city be more proactive with the limited staff and resources it has. It helps to tackle challenges in a more strategic way.
Plus, fewer potholes on the roads could save the city money if it doesn’t have to pay out as many claims for potholes that aren’t patched on time.
The WREG Investigators asked for the number of claims filed and how much the city has paid out. We await a response.
Drivers believe that tracking and managing potholes and defects will only improve their quality of life.
“If you want to take your kids for a ride, just take them down this road and you’re going to crash,” Stanley Evans said.
Evans said he had to joke about it to help him cope. A pothole just damaged the front of his car.
“And now I have front end damage. It’s a problem, you know?” he said. “They need to make it livable for everyone.”
How to report a hole
To report a pothole on a state road or highway: Dial 833-TDOTFIX (833-836-8349) or submit a form at this link HERE.
To report a pothole on a city road: Dial 3-1-1 or report online at this link HERE.
How to file a claim
The following is required to file a claim with the City of Memphis. Submit your claim by clicking this link HERE:
- A copy of a government ID card (eg driver’s license) for an individual OR a W-9 form for a business or company (for ALL claims)
- Two legitimate damage estimates OR damage repair receipts (for property damage/loss claims)
- Unaltered copies of all medical bills or other related expenses (for personal injury claims)
- Copy of police report (if any)
- Pictures of the defect (if any)
- Photos of damage (if any)
- Statements from witness(es) (if any)
- Any other documents that will support the claim (if any)
► NEED HISTORY RESEARCH? The WREG Investigators want to hear from you! Call our tip line at 901-543-2378. You can also send an email to [email protected].
