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Mayor Adrian Fenty and DDOT Launch Potholepalooza
Month-long campaign to fix potholes in the District
Rising temperatures, especially after a winter storm, can bring on the advent of what is commonly called “pothole season.” As the colder weather moves out and spring looms on the horizon, roadways start to show signs of wear and tear from the long winter months in the form of potholes. In anticipation of increased call volumes and to expedite repairs throughout the District, Mayor Adrian Fenty announces the District’s first-ever “Potholepalooza.”
Potholepalooza is a month long campaign to encourage residents and commuters to phone in, go online, twitter or email requests for pothole repairs. Starting March 11, 2009 and running through April 11, 2009 the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the agency responsible for the repair of potholes for the District, will work to repair identified potholes within 48 hours (normal response time is within 72 hours).
DDOT repairs an average of 220,000 potholes per year in the District with an average annual cost of $900K.
 
How to Report a Pothole
Residents and Commuters can notify DDOT in a variety of ways
- Call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311
- Use the Online Service Request Center at DC.Gov
- Text Message or Tweet to www.twitter.com/DDOTDC
- E-mail to Potholepalooza@DC.Gov
Callers must identify the location including the correct quadrant (NW, NE, SE, SW) in the District and as much detail as possible about the hazard, including the approximate size and depth of the pothole. DDOT crews will also be out and about proactively identifying potholes.
How to Identify a Pothole
There is a difference between a pothole, a sinkhole and a utility cut.
What is a pothole?
A pothole is formed when the roadway temperatures fluctuate. As the roadway expands and vehicles drive over compromised sections, the area of the road separates or buckles forming a hole in the surface of the road known as a pothole. Pothole erosion increases during rain and the growth of the hole can become accelerated as the water causes further damage to the bottom and side of the pothole.
When does a pothole become a sinkhole?
If a pothole expands beyond the boundaries of the roadway and dirt begins to erode below the surface, it is known as a sinkhole.
 
What is a utility cut?
A utility cut falls under different mandates and is the responsibility of the utility company to repair within a regulated time frame.
How is a pothole repaired?
Road crews fix a pot hole by filling it with replacement pavement material. Cold patches are used for small potholes in lightly trafficked areas because they can be quickly applied. Hot asphalt is used in high traffic areas or on large potholes, because it will hold much more effectively. If the road has become pitted with potholes, it may need to be resurfaced. Resurfacing a roadway involves stripping the upper layers of asphalt off, roughening the bottom layers, and applying a new upper roadway surface.
Daily Updates
DDOT will be posting numbers and overall totals of potholes filled. This information will be updated daily and can be found here, at ddot.dc.gov/potholes. Select a date to view an update. 
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