Virginia: 43,000 pothole repairs and counting

~Governor McDonnell Announces 43,000 Potholes Repaired in First Two Weeks of Pothole Blitz~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched, repaired or filled more than 43,000 potholes throughout the commonwealth since it kicked off the agency’s pothole blitz March 1. Governor McDonnell directed VDOT to launch its pothole blitz and focus efforts on patching the thousands of potholes resulting from this winter’s harsh weather. VDOT crews have worked day and night to address pavement hazards reported by VDOT crews, contractors, and citizens.

“We know that potholes create more than bumpy rides for motorists. They are roadway hazards. VDOT has made great strides in addressing this year’s bumper crop of potholes, but there is still work to be done,” said Governor McDonnell. “I would like to thank the citizens that have helped by reporting potholes on VDOT’s Web site and by calling in as they see potholes develop in their travels. With everyone’s help, we continue making great progress.”

Potholes are continuing to form with this month’s wet weather and varying temperatures. As citizens contact VDOT and report each new pothole, crews are dispatched to work through assigned corridors and repairs are prioritized based on severity and location.

VDOT has budgeted $45.8 million for asphalt and concrete patching for fiscal year 2010 (which runs from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010).

To report a pothole, citizens should visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7623 (ROAD). TTY users, call 711.

VDOT repairs potholes on state-maintained roads only, which include interstate highways and most primary and secondary roads. Local governments are responsible for repairing potholes on city streets as well as on roadways in Henrico and Arlington counties. If citizens see a pothole on a city street or an Arlington or Henrico County road, they should contact their local public works agency.

Safe driving tips, pothole patching videos, and other useful information on potholes is also available on VDOT’s Web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-potholes.asp.