Virginia Has Patched 150,000 Potholes Since March 1st
April 15, 2010
RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that from March 1st through - April 15th, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched more than 150,000 potholes statewide.
Governor McDonnell Announces Final Results of Statewide Pothole Blitz
Blitz Fixes More Than 150,000 Potholes in 6 Weeks; VDOT Now Kicks Off Spring Paving Season
RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that from March 1st through - April 15th, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched more than 150,000 potholes statewide. 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. Continued wet conditions in March resulted in even more pavement deterioration and prompted the extension of the pothole blitz for two more weeks.
Commending Virginians and VDOT for their work, Governor McDonnell noted, “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 travel. Historic blizzards added to an already cold and wet winter season resulting in a bumper crop of roadway hazards this spring. I also thank the hard workers at VDOT for their diligence in repairing the thousands of potholes so Virginians could travel smoothly.�
With warmer temperatures reopening asphalt plants and making permanent concrete patches possible, the Governor has asked VDOT to shift its attention temporary patching to conducting full-fledge pavement operations.
April 15th is opening day for Virginia’s paving season. More than $134 million in paving projects are already contracted for this spring. Contractors awarded these contracts can begin paving roadways as of mid-April. VDOT will advertise an additional $84 million in pavement projects statewide in coming weeks, and contractors will begin making permanent patches where temporary pavement repairs were made this winter, and overlaying new smooth services for summer driving season.
Citizens can continue to report potholes and roadway hazards to speed response time and improve safety. 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.
