See a Pothole In Newton? Report It

NEWTON, MA — Potholes: They are the bane of most drivers' existence. They damage cars and can make it dangerous to drive. And we head into the end of February, city officials want help finding the tire-hungry potholes, so they can repair them.

Newton’s Department of Public Works crews have already repaired more than 523 potholes since the first of the year, and two to three crews are working as weather permits to repair more. Already, the city has used more than 90 tons of asphalt on the repairs this season, according to the city.

In the past three years they've had to repave 47 miles of the city's 300 miles, in large part because of these New England potholes.

But there's more to be done.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is asking residents when they see a pothole, to report it through the city's 311 system, so they can get it fixed.

"If we know about the pothole, we will fix it," she said.

Potholes are created when water from snow and rain seep into small cracks in the roadway surface. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, making the cracks larger until potholes form. Heavy traffic, pavement age, vehicle weights and snow and ice maintenance all contribute.

One thing to know if your car gets damaged: Under State Law, Chapter 81, Section 18 of the Massachusetts General Laws, if a pothole causes damage to your car, the state or town is not liable. You have to report the damage to your personal car insurance company.

How to report a pothole:

• Newton 311 App: The fastest way to make a report is to download the Newton 311 app on your smartphone. You open the app, hit “report a problem,” then hit “streets,” take a photo and follow the prompts.
• Via your computer: For those who don't have a smartphone, head to the city 311 website here, and report away.
• Call 311: The city is asking you include the specific location or an address so crews can find the pothole.
• To report potholes on state roads, call MassDOT at (857) 368-4636, or toll-free at (877) 623-6846, or visit MassDOT's online contact information web page to send an e-mail.

Where have you seen the worst potholes? Share in the comment section below, and be sure to report them to the city.