VDOT Brings Out The Pothole Hunter

RICHMOND, Va. – Spring flowers are in bloom and so are potholes. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is using humor to provide awareness on how to report potholes by bringing out their own “spokesperson,” Pothole Hunter Phil Itkwik.

Itkwik is campaigning to attack potholes on the commonwealth’s roadways.

“VDOT crews, contractors and I have potholes in our sights,” said Itkwik. “We’re working to repair them to keep roadways as safe as possible, but it helps to have extra eyes on the roads. If you see a pothole, call 800-FOR ROAD (800-367-7623) or go to www.virginiadot.org and click on ‘Report a Road Problem’ in the top right corner of the website.”

“Because potholes present a safety issue for motorists, VDOT crews are focused on repairing potholes as quickly as possible,” said VDOT Commissioner Charles Kilpatrick. “We bring out the ‘Pothole Hunter’ as a humorous way to raise awareness on how to report potholes in Virginia. We appreciate the public’s assistance in the hunt for potholes as Phil Itkwik and our crews continue to do a great job tackling these roadway hazards.”

Once VDOT is aware of a pothole, it’s communicated to local crews and repairs are scheduled according to its severity and location. Motorists can report potholes to VDOT’s Customer Service Center.

How Potholes are formed and repaired

Potholes form (click graphic at right) when moisture seeps into pavement, freezes, expands and thaws. This cycle weakens the pavement and the weight of traffic causes it to loosen. Over time, the pavement begins to crumble.

Repairs are made with a variety of materials based on the temperature and the availability of materials. “Hot mix” asphalt is the preferred material for most surfaces, but it is often not available during colder months when temperatures are less than 50 degrees. Repairs made with other materials may be revisited once hot mix asphalt is available.

VDOT repairs potholes only on state-maintained roads, which include interstates and most primary and secondary roads. Local governments are responsible for pothole repair on city streets as well as roads in Henrico and Arlington counties. Potholes on a city street, or an Arlington or Henrico county road should be reported to the local public works agency.

To report potholes

• Use VDOT’s online form to report potholes and other road problems.
• Click on “Report a Road Problem” in the top right corner of http://www.virginiadot.org.
• Call 800-367-7623 (800-FOR-ROAD) 24 hours a day to reach VDOT’s customer service center to report road hazards or ask road-related questions.
• Visit the potholes web page for more information.