As winter snow and ice give way to milder temperatures, potholes are surfacing across roads in Botetourt County and throughout Virginia, prompting the Virginia Department of Transportation to ramp up repair efforts.
VDOT crews are actively working to locate and fix potholes during what officials describe as a peak season for pavement damage. Fluctuating temperatures, combined with snow and rain, have contributed to cracks and roadway deterioration across the commonwealth.
“We know motorists see them and don’t like them, and we don’t like them either,” said Kevin Gregg, VDOT’s chief of maintenance and operations. “Motorists can help ensure that potholes are identified and repaired as quickly as possible by reporting them through the Customer Service Center. Travelers are asked to keep a lookout for crews as they work to repair the roadway.”
Potholes can form year-round, but they are especially common after freezing temperatures. Moisture seeps into pavement, freezes and expands, then thaws. This cycle weakens the pavement, and the weight of traffic can cause the surface to crumble.
Once a pothole is reported, the information is forwarded to local VDOT crews. Repairs are scheduled based on location, traffic volume, impact on motorists and severity. Crews inspect the damage and determine the appropriate repair and timeline. Temporary cold patches are often used during winter months, while permanent repairs must wait until temperatures consistently rise.
Local officials are also encouraging residents to report roadway concerns. In a recent social media post, Botetourt County noted that with more than 1,500 roads across the county, addressing potholes “takes teamwork.” The county reminded residents that VDOT maintains county roads and relies on public reports to quickly identify and repair issues.
Motorists can report potholes and other road concerns through VDOT’s online form at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-367-7623 (800-FOR-ROAD) 24 hours a day to reach the Customer Service Center.
VDOT is responsible for pothole repairs on state-maintained roads, including interstate highways and most primary and secondary routes. Local governments handle repairs on city streets, as well as roadways in Henrico and Arlington counties. Residents who notice potholes on city streets or in those counties should contact their local government directly.
As repair work continues, VDOT officials are urging drivers to slow down and move over when possible to give crews space to work safely.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
