VDOT will make pothole repair its top priority through March 31. The agency will use state crews and contractors to conduct a “pothole blitz” to quickly identify and repair roadway hazards. VDOT is also asking for citizens’ help to identify potholes as they form to speed repairs.

Patching operations are prioritized by pothole severity and location, with some severe potholes on high traffic roads being filled within 24 hours, and most potholes on higher traffic roads being repaired within four days.

Work crews are assigned a series of routes and repair all potholes as they progress through the routes. On multiple-lane roads, the work is generally accomplished as a mobile operation one lane at a time.  Repairs are made with both cold and hot mix asphalt depending upon the temperatures and the availability of materials.  Hot mix is the preferred material as it is more permanent, but it is not effective until temperatures are consistently over 50 degrees. 

Some areas and types of pavements may require more extensive repairs. In these cases, crews will make temporary repairs immediately and will schedule more extensive reconstruction work at a later date. 

VDOT has budgeted $45.8 million for asphalt and concrete patching for fiscal year 2010, which ends June 30. Despite budget challenges, VDOT has not cut back on pothole repair because it is considered a safety program.

Citizen help

“Motorists traveling across Virginia know best where the worst potholes lie.  We want citizens to help us identify potholes as they form so that VDOT crews can quickly be dispatched to make repairs,” McDonnell said. “VDOT crews, state police and contractors report potholes as they travel for their duties. This March, we are asking for citizens’ help to identify these hazards. All Virginians can be a part of this Pothole Blitz so we can work together to improve everyone’s safety and comfort as they travel through our great Commonwealth.”

To report a pothole, citizens should visit VirginiaDOT.org, or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7623.

VDOT repairs potholes on state-maintained roads only, which include interstate highways and most primary and secondary roads.