Memphis using AI technology to spot potholes, may use it for code violations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Potholes have become the bane of Memphis drivers, and an ever-present problem the city has tried to tackle.

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 were underfunded. Crews 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,” Memphis Public Works Director Robert Knecht said.

Crews showed us the device, attached to a city car, that they’re training to efficiently and accurately identify potholes.

“We’re working on that now, and it’s really showing huge benefits,” Knecht said. “I get contacted by other cities, and they’re like, ‘Wow, you guys are doing this cutting edge technology tool. How? How can we do it?'”

Drivers tell WREG Investigators they dodge potholes in every neighborhood. If you hit one just right, it can cost you. AAA reports repairs average around $600.

Quincey Wadley owns Fry Guys food truck, and lately, he said it feels like an obstacle course as he drives through the city.

He said he’s avoided problems until recently, when a semi-truck kicked up debris in a pothole and chipped his windshield.

“The potholes are very bad,” he said. “And they just fill the potholes with little rocks. They come right back up.”

Knecht said the technology they’re using opens a lot of doors, like possibly attaching the device to a self-driving car. He said they’re also trying to train it to identify exterior code violations starting with overgrown grass.

Instead of relying on a 311 report, the device would notify them, and they would send out an inspector to take action.

“Now, how far can we teach the model to reliably provide us a violation that’s happening beyond overgrown grass. Is there a vehicle parked on the grass? Is there a broken window?” Knecht said. “There are so many opportunities from an exterior violation standpoint that would help us.”

Knecht said it could help the city be more proactive with the limited staffing and resources they have. It helps tackle challenges in a more strategic way.

Plus, fewer potholes could save the city money if they don’t have to pay out as many claims for potholes not patched in a timely manner.

WREG Investigators requested the number of claims filed and how much the city has paid out. We’re waiting to hear back.

Drivers believe tracking and managing potholes and blight will only improve their quality of life.

“If you want to take your kids on a ride, just take them down that road and you go bump,” Stanley Evans said.

Evans said he has to joke about it to help him cope. A pothole just damaged the front of his vehicle.

“And now I have damage up on the front end. That’s a problem, you know?” he said. “They need to make it be liveable for everybody.”

How to report a pothole

To report a pothole on a state route 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 it online at this link HERE .

How to file a claim

Below is what you need to file a claim with the City of Memphis. File the claim by clicking this link HERE :

1. A copy of a state-issued ID (ex. Driver’s license) for an individual OR a W-9 form for a business or company (for ALL claims)
2. Two legitimate estimates of damages OR receipts of damage repairs (for property damage/loss claims)
3. Unaltered copies of all medical bills or other related expenses (for bodily injury claims)
4. Copy of police report (if available)
5. Photographs of defect (if available)
6. Photographs of damages (if available)
7. Statements from witness(es) (if available)
8. Any other documents that will support the claim (if available)

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