Jan 10, 2008 1:13 pm US/Eastern
January Thaw Creates Pothole Headaches For Drivers
Is there a gaping pothole near you that we should know about?Email the Pothole Patrol.
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
While the January thaw has brought some much needed relief from the snow and freezing temperatures New England faced in December, Massachusetts drivers are battling another headache -- potholes.
The recent weather pattern has made it prime season for potholes, and more and more tire and automotive businesses are feeling the heat as drivers pour in with damaged vehicles.
Temperatures in Boston reached a record high of 67 degrees Tuesday following a near-record snowfall month in December.
Potholes form when frigid weather conditions freeze and expand water that has collected under roadways, pushing the pavement upward into a heave. When the pavement thaws, it collapses into a void created by the expanding ice. The holes are opened up as traffic continues to pound over the areas, often damaging tires.
Publics Works crews were out Thursday morning trying to patch as many pot holes as possible. WBZ caught up with them as they patched a big one on South Hampton Street near Andrew Square in South Boston.
Boston Public Works and Transportation Chief, Dennis Royer says the weather conditions have caused tons of pot holes and repair crews are doing their best to try and keep up.
"Whether you like it or not, pot holes are going to be inevitable when you get into this type of situation," says Royer. "That's why we asked for the assistance in identifying them; so, that we can get out there do our jobs, fill 'em, make life a little easier for people."
With 800 miles of roads in Boston alone, officials say they're relying on the public's help to track down all the pot holes.
To report a pothole on a Massachusetts State Highway, contact your MassHighway District Headquarters. Find the contact information for your office by visiting
MassHighway online. State law does not allow for reimbursements for damage to your car done by a pothole on a state roadway.
To request a repair to Boston city roadway, call the Public Works Department at 617-635-4950. If your car was damaged by a pothole in the city of Boston you can file a claim on the
city of Boston's Web site.
To report potholes in other cities and towns, call your local
Department of Public Works. You can search for contact information on the State of Massachusetts' Web site.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
