Baltimore drivers frustrated by potholes after harsh winter

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore-area drivers are fed up with the potholes marring the city and region’s roadways after a heavy winter weather season.

A 2022 survey from AAA found that Americans spend billions on repairs caused by destructive potholes, with an average price tag of nearly $600. Fourteen percent of the company’s calls in Maryland last year were for tire-related issues, including those coming from potholes, though they weren’t uniquely tracked.

Baltimore City Department of Transportation crews patch potholes every year, prioritizing resident-submitted 311 requests, but filling them is only a temporary fix. While the department smooths out some problem roads more permanently by repaving them, long-term fixes are subject to the city’s roads budget, priorities and schedule.

Last month, the city’s transportation department filled more than 10,000 potholes across about 34,000 square feet of roadway in less than two weeks. Municipal officials acknowledged there’s more work to be done, but said they’re moving as fast as they can. Staff from Baltimore’s transportation department and mayor’s office asked residents to report potholes through the city’s 311 system so crews can respond quickly.

Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.