Pothole Information
Report a pothole
To report potholes, click
here for the telephone list for Salt Lake City and other
jurisdictions in the valley. The number to report potholes or
any asphalt issues in Salt Lake City is 801.535.6999.
Para información en español llame 801.535.7704
Frequently asked questions
How many potholes does Salt Lake City repair
every year?
We fill at least 18,000 potholes every year.
Salt Lake City fills an average of 70 potholes
per day throughout the whole year. The heaviest pothole
seasons are winter and spring.
What causes potholes to occur?
Water seeping into cracks loosens the asphalt
allowing movement to occur. During the winter, the water
freezes at night, which causes expansion and allows more
movement. The pressure of vehicles driving over the asphalt
increases the movement even more. This cycle of movement and
pressure eventually leads to the loose asphalt popping out
causing a pothole.
Is there anything Salt Lake City does to
prevent potholes?
The largest preventative measure we have is
our crack seal program to close up the cracks. We also overlay
and repave streets every year.
Construction projects are performed in the
spring, summer, and fall. If there is an emergency or utility
work done during the snow season, the contractor will put down
a temporary fill and are required to fix it properly in the
spring.
What goes into the formula for filling
potholes?
To permanently fill potholes, we use an
emulsified asphalt tack that bonds with the pavement. We
cannot use this during the winter because it cannot come into
contact with water or freeze before it is applied. Also, if
the ground is wet, tack will not bond properly with the
pavement.
Therefore, we use two types of asphalt: Winter Cold Mix or
Summer Hot mix.
Winter Cold Mix is a cold temporary asphalt, aggregate, and
oil.
Summer Hot mix is permanent used in the warm weather. This
works permanently when the holes are tacked, squared out, and
properly compacted.
Why do we get more potholes some years and
not others?
Some years are more wet and cold than others.
The freeze thaw cycle causes most of the potholes. The more it
freezes and thaws the more the water can seep into cracks and
expand during freezing causing the road to move and actually
pop out of its original shape. Just like putting a pop can in
the freezer. Also, if heavy equipment is driven over pavement
it makes the cracked brittle asphalt buckle and to pop out.
Salt Lake City has one of the worst freeze thaw cycles in the
continental United States.
What should citizens do if they see a
pothole?
Click here for the
Pothole Contact Phone Number List. It is very helpful if you
report spotted potholes by calling us if the pothole is in
Salt Lake City or by calling the city where the pothole is
located. We rely on our crews driving around and citizen calls
to know where the potholes are.
What is the average response time to fix
potholes?
Salt Lake City responds within two working
days after receiving notification. If a citizen reports that
the pothole is dangerous or is causing problems for traffic,
we will respond immediately.
Report potholes to the city or county public works
division where the potholes are located. The number for Salt Lake
City is 801.535.6999. Here are some additional numbers for the Salt
Lake Valley:
Salt Lake County
|
385.468.6325 |
State UDOT
|
801.975.4950 |
West Valley
|
801.955.3701 |
Sandy City
|
801.568.2970 |
South Salt Lake
|
801.483.6045 |
Murray
|
801.270.2440 |
Draper
|
801.576.6517 |
South Jordan
|
801.253.5230 |
Bountiful
|
801.298.6175 |
Midvale
|
801.567.7235 |
Riverton
|
801.254.0704 |
West Jordan
|
801.569.5730 |
Para información en español llame 801.535.6333.
