Richmond tackles pothole problems with 2-week repair plan

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The City of Richmond is taking advantage of the warmer weather, using it as an opportunity to tackle its pothole problem.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Department of Public Works started sending crews throughout the city to make repairs as part of its two-week-long pothole repair push.

Crews will have their work cut out for them, as DPW's Director Bobby Vincent says they've received 600 service requests for pothole repairs in the city's database.

“We normally do at least four times the amount of actual requests because there's still potholes out there that we don't receive requests for, that we still wind up performing maintenance on," Vincent said.

It’s a problem that drivers like Hardy Tinsley know too well. He said he's seen potholes leave massive craters in streets and even greater damage to vehicles.

“You hit one of these [potholes] ... that could knock wheels out of alignment no matter what,” Tinsley said.

Some streets have been plagued with several potholes, creating somewhat of an obstacle course for drivers to navigate.

DPW's Director is encouraging Richmond residents to report any potholes they may come across by calling 3-1-1, visiting the city's website or using the RVA311 app.

The city says these repairs can last up to three years, but for areas that may need a more permanent fix, DPW plans to bring back its annual paving program in the coming weeks.