Sign of spring: potholes pop up across DC, Maryland, Virginia roads

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — It’s a sign spring is nearly here — not the melting snow or even buds on trees but the potholes.

7News Reporter Victoria Sanchez found out what’s being done even as the winter weather persists.

Traffic in the DMV is about to get worse. Not from cars on the road but the road itself.

“Just our district in Northern Virginia — so Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties — had over 400 reports of potholes waiting to be filled. Since the beginning of the month,” said Alex Liggitt, communication manager for VDOT’s Northern Virginia district.

When the region gets heavy snow with several freeze-thaw cycles, it can lead to a big pothole season.

The problems pop up after water seeps into road cracks and then freezes. As the water freezes and expands, it forces the pavement up. When it thaws, a gap is left behind. That weak spot becomes a pothole with the weight of passing vehicles.

On Thursday morning, two men from a mobile VDOT crew on Fairfax County Parkway in Burke got out of the truck, filled the hole, and moved on to the next in about one minute.

“It’s kind of a temporary fix until we get further into the season. When things warm up, we can come back with the hot asphalt treatment,” explained Liggitt.

Virginia, Maryland, and the District make reporting potholes easy through online forms. You’ll need the address or vicinity of the problem, a picture if you have it, and a few more details. A provisional patch could come as soon as the next da,y but give crews at least three.

Report a pothole

If you drive over a pothole and it causes damage to your vehicle, you can submit a claim with the agency in charge of the roadway.

File a tort claim

DC Office of Risk Management

Pursuant to 12-309 of the DC Official Code (2001) an action may not be maintained against the District of Columbia for unliquidated damages to person or property unless, within six months after the injury or damage was sustained, the claimant, his agent, or attorney, has given notice in writing to the Mayor of the District of Columbia of the approximate time, place, cause and circumstances of the injury or damage.

VDOT Tort Claims

Individuals who believe that they have suffered damage to their property due to the negligence of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) or its employees may submit a claim to the VDOT Tort Claims Section for potential reimbursement.

Maryland State Treasurer

Anyone who has sustained bodily injury or property damage which they believe was caused by the negligence of the State of Maryland or State of Maryland personnel may file a claim under the Maryland Tort Claims Act, which is set forth in the Maryland Code, State Government Article, 12-101, et. seq. This claim must be submitted in writing to the Maryland State Treasurer’s Office (STO).