Hundreds of roadway cave-ins — most caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton — have been repaired and city crews are working diligently to fix the final batch in the coming weeks.
Unlike potholes which form on the surface of the road, cave-ins are underground voids that require more extensive and complex repairs. After a storm, as water gradually seeps underground, it erodes the soil beneath the pavement, causing it to cave-in.
The City of Tampa’s Stormwater and Wastewater departments have repaired more than half of the 800+ cave-ins reported following last year’s hurricanes. Approximately 270 remain.
The Wastewater Department alone had about 700+ cave-ins throughout last year’s hurricane season. The stormwater department received about 130 reports of cave-ins since October 1, with about 100 already in the log before the storms.
To speed up the repair process ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, the city is partnering with Kimmins Contracting to get the job done.