New Jersey Launches Pothole Repair Initiative. Here’s How to Report Them
New Jersey launched its annual pothole repair initiative on Monday, March 17, to repair state highways damaged by winter weather. The state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) said it will first address the most significant potholes.
“NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year, it becomes our primary focus,” DOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said in a media statement last week.
Residents who want to report a pothole can call 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653) or use the state’s pothole map tool online. Individuals will be asked to enter the pothole’s location and submit a form containing contact information, the direction of the roadway, other comments, and whether they would like to receive a reply.
In a statement shared with CBS News New York, the DOT said it responds to reports as quickly as possible, “especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on their size and location.” With a more active winter this year, DOT crews in New Jersey expect to fix more potholes this year than in the last few years.
Over the past five years, the department estimates repairing an average of 153,000 potholes per year. Officials said that number has decreased in recent years because of the focus on repaving state highways and creating better road conditions.
Potholes primarily form when water seeps into cracks in asphalt, freezes, and expands, causing the pavement to crack and collapse. Body shops throughout the area, including Fanelle’s Auto Repair and Towing in Collingswood, have reported damages to vehicles that have hit potholes.
“You get flat tires, suspension components that break, which then ties into body damage and other things,” said Nick Slimm, a tow truck driver with Fanelle’s, in an interview with abc6 News.
