cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Causes

What causes a pothole?

Water can seep under pavement through cracks or from the side of the road. Over time, the water can cause the material under the pavement to erode, causing the pavement to sink down and break. During the winter, the water under the pavement freezes, then thaws (contracting and expanding). This freeze/thaw cycle can cause the pavement to crack. Once cracked, the pavementt deteriorates quickly under the weight of traffic and streets can seem to break out in potholes overnight.

Why are there so many potholes in Boston's streets?

Coastal Boston area cities and towns experience extensive freeze/thaw cycles. You can expect to see more potholes in the winter and spring, following periods of cold temperatures and rain or snow.

The City filled a pothole, but a few days later, it reappeared. Why don't repairs last longer?

Making permanent repairs during the winter is difficult and expensive. In winter months, Public Works fill potholes with both cold and hot patch. Temporary repairs are intended to maintain safety and minimize damage to vehicles. Permanent repairs require waiting until the spring thaw. In Spring, Public Works makes permanent repairs using hot asphalt.

Repair

How do I report a pothole?

Public Works relies on constituents to report potholes. There are three ways to report:

Call the Mayor's 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500
Make an Online Service Request
Citizens Connect App

What if the pothole is on a State-maintained road?

To report a pothole on state-owned roads, motorists can call 511 using mobile devices or dial 617-973-7800, the Commonwealth's Highway Division switchboard.

How long does it take to fill a pothole?

On average it takes approximately two business days to fill the typical pothole. Some potholes, because of their location in the road or proximity to other infrastructure such as manhole covers, are more difficult to fill and, consequently, take longer.

Public Works has at least ten crews working every day to cover 800 miles of streets in the City of Boston. Many times, when a crew goes to repair one pothole, they find several others in the same area.

Claims

How can I file a claim for damage caused to my car by a pothole?

File a Notice of Claim Form with the City Clerk's Office.