Overview
The Highway Division of the Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for maintaining the city’s streets and roadways, ensuring the safety and usability for 370 miles of roadway. As part of City Services, DPW responds to pothole reports submitted by residents and visitors through the PVD311 system.
Potholes form when a crack develops in the asphalt pavement for a variety of reasons, including exposure to the elements, heavy traffic, and the age of the material. When water seeps into the cracked pavement and freezes due to cold temperatures, the water, now ice, expands causing pressure and eventually breaking the asphalt. This cycle of water freezing and expanding over time leads to the formation of potholes.
The Highway Division is dedicated to addressing potholes promptly and efficiently, prioritizing repairs based on severity, location, and available resources. DPW works in coordination with PVD311 to streamline service requests and keep residents informed throughout the repair process.
Ways to Report a Pothole
You can report pothole through the following methods:
PVD311 Website or WebApp: Log into your account on the PVD311 Constituent Service Portal and choose the case type "Pothole Report" Then, follow the steps to submit the service request.
Call PVD311: Dial 3-1-1 to speak with a Constituent Representative who can help create the service request.
Email: Send details to pvd311@providenceri.gov with location and photo attachments if available.
Information to Include in Your Report
Location -The exact address or intersection where the service is needed.
Size of the pothole – Describing the size of the pothole helps to prioritize the service request.
Timing – When was the pothole first noticed.
It is helpful to quickly look through the service requests submitted in PVD311 to see if the pothole has already been reported.
Learn the Process of a Pothole Service Request:
Reporting the Pothole and Service Request Creation:
A PVD311 Constituent Representative or the system logs the report into the 311 platform, generating a unique case number for tracking.
The request is automatically routed to the Department of Public Works' Highway Division (HD) for review.
Review by Highway Division:
The Highway Division reviews the service request, verifies the location, and assesses the severity of the pothole and any safety risks associated with the pothole.
A site inspection may be conducted if further verification is needed.
Potholes in high-priority areas (e.g., main roads, intersections) are typically addressed more quickly.
Dispatch Work Order:
If the pothole meets the criteria for immediate repair, the HD creates a work order and dispatches a crew.
If the repair is part of a larger maintenance project, it is scheduled for a future date.
Repair and Case Closure:
HD crew conducts the repair on-site. Repairs may include:
Filling the hole with asphalt and leveling the surface for safety.
Temporary winter repairs, such as cold patching, if conditions prevent full repairs.
For larger potholes or deteriorated roads, more extensive measures may be necessary, including partial road closures.
Upon completion of the request, updates are provided to PVD311 and the service request is completed.
The resident receives a notification (if requested) that the pothole has been repaired.
Follow-up and Re-reporting (if necessary)
If further issues arise, the pothole reappears or the repair is unsatisfactory, residents can reopen the case or submit a new report referring to the original case number.
In instances of recurring issues, DPW may schedule a more comprehensive inspection for long-term solutions.
Winter Conditions:
During the winter season, weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, may delay or affect the timing of pothole repairs.
In these cases, temporary fixes like cold patching may be used until a permanent repair can be completed when the weather improves.
Department of Public Works – Highway Division
75 Chapman Street, Providence, RI 02905
401.680.7500 | https://www.providenceri.gov/public-works/