SHA, Harfored County establish pothole hotlines

Along with residual road salt and mounds of snow, another byproduct of this winter’s storms has been potholes.

Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands, thaws and weakens paving. Traffic loosens it more, causing the pavement to crumble and pop out.

Officials of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) note that road crews have turned their efforts from plowing and salting to repairing potholes. Motorists are asked to be alert for orange cones, barrels and arrow boards and be prepared for lane closings and slowed traffic as two to four member crews work to fill potholes along state routes.

During winter months, the SHA uses temporary “cold patch” until armed weather permits permanent repairs. In FY 2009, the SHA spent $2.4 million across the state patching potholes.

Motorists can help in the repair effort by reporting potholes by going online to roads.maryland.gov, clicking on Report Litter or Pothole and completing a service request form.

The Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways has established a Pothole Hotline for citizens to call to report potholes. The 410-638-3376 hotline number is now operational.

Potholes develop as a result of severe freezing weather conditions followed by thaw cycles. Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways is responsible for maintaining more than 1,000 road miles of county roads throughout the county. The Division of Highways has no authority to repair potholes on private property.

“Our Department of Public Works, Division of Highways personnel have worked tirelessly throughout the winter to clear roads of snow and ice due to an unprecedented snowfall this year. As weather conditions improve, the Division of Highways will begin repairing potholes that have evolved as a result of the severe weather,” stated Harford County Executive David R. Craig.