PLANO, Texas — "It's a headache," said Dustin English.
He's a driver for Uber Eats, and a pothole in Plano cost him several days of income.
"I would have avoided it if I had seen it," he said.
On Christmas Eve in the rain, English was driving on Parker Road when he hit a sharp gap on the right-hand lane.
"The pothole was so large that it yanked the steering wheel out of my hands and I tried to correct it," English said. "I shot over into the following lane. I mean, if somebody was next to me, I probably would have hit them."
He felt his front right tire lose air as he pulled into the closest gas station near Parker and Custer.
"It was flat by the time I pulled over," said English. "Five minutes after me hitting a pothole, it was another driver with the same issue." He said another car pulled into the gas station, like him, with a blown-out tire.
According to the City of Plano, at Parker Road between Independence Parkway and Country Place Drive, crews are replacing cast-iron pipes that are more than 50 years old with PVC.
The city confirmed the project is 70% complete. Once the water line is replaced, pavement repairs will begin.
Tim Billingham, Senior Risk Analyst with the City of Plano, said claims have increased recently. "Usually we have anywhere from five to ten pothole claims a month. We've been averaging anywhere from 20 to 30 just because of all the construction going on."
Billingham said the contractors try to temporarily fill potholes, but it can wash out due to rain or inclement weather.
He said it's important to update infrastructure around Plano, and understands the frustration it is causing drivers.
"We ask for your patience because we've had so many [claims] coming in," said Billingham.
Possible reimbursement will be decided case-by-case, and drivers will have to front the cost first.
For English, he can't afford to front the cost of a new tire. He's currently driving on a used tire, still trying to make his routes with Uber Eats safely.
"I'll go over any side streets just to avoid this part of Parker," he said.
Claims can be filed through Plano's risk management team. Fill out a "Public Claim Form" and submit it via mail, fax or email. Billingham asked that photos, invoices and as many details as possible are included with the claim.