Pothole causes headaches for drivers on I-475

12/13/2010

At least a dozen eastbound motorists traveling I-475 had an abrupt halt to their journey Monday night when they struck a large pothole that developed in the center lane over Upton Avenue, leaving them stranded along the side of the expressway in the bitter cold.

The Ohio Department of Transportation said crews would attempt to fill the hole Monday night, but warned that the pothole could remain a problem for motorists this morning if additional work was needed and lanes remained closed.

ODOT spokesman Theresa Pollick said two of the three lanes were shut Monday night while repairs were made.

Bob Lubell, who was driving on I-475 Monday night, said he ran over some debris that got caught up in the undercarriage of his car.

"It's cold and it's not a great time to be out on the side of the road," he said.

Because of construction work on the new interchange, the breakdowns occurred in a part of the expressway without lighting or adequate space to pull off to the side, leaving disabled vehicles in the right travel lane.

Temperatures at 10 p.m. were at 10 degrees, with a windchill of minus 5 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.