VDOT Crews Step Up Pothole Repairs Across Virginia

With winter weather taking a toll on roadways across the state, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are working to locate and repair potholes as cracks and crumbling pavement become more common.

A Virginia Department of Transportation crew repairs a pothole on a state-maintained roadway. Drivers are encouraged to report potholes to VDOT and to slow down or move over when possible to give road workers a safe space to do their jobs.

Freezing temperatures, snow, and heavy rain,  all seen across Virginia this winter, create ideal conditions for potholes to form. Moisture seeps into small cracks in the pavement. When it freezes, it expands. As temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving gaps beneath the surface. Add the weight of passing vehicles, and the pavement can quickly break apart.

“We know you 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 our Customer Service Center. We ask travelers to please keep a lookout for our crews as they work to repair the roadway.”

VDOT maintains interstate highways and most primary and secondary roads across the Commonwealth. When a pothole is reported, the information is sent to local crews. Repairs are scheduled based on the pothole’s location, traffic volume, severity, and impact on drivers.

Crews first inspect the area to determine the best course of action. During colder months, workers often use temporary “cold patch” materials to fill holes. Permanent repairs must wait until warmer temperatures allow for more durable fixes.

Drivers may see work trucks parked along shoulders or in travel lanes as crews make repairs. VDOT reminds motorists to slow down and move over when possible to give workers space.

The agency also notes that it only repairs potholes on state-maintained roads. Local governments are responsible for city streets and for roads in Arlington and Henrico counties. Residents who spot potholes in those areas should contact their local government offices.

VDOT encourages drivers to report potholes and other road hazards online at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-367-7623 (800-FOR-ROAD), which is available 24 hours a day.

As winter transitions toward spring, officials expect pothole activity to remain steady. With public support and continued repair efforts, VDOT aims to keep Virginia’s roads as safe and smooth as possible.