Pothole Repair 

A pothole is a bowl-shaped hole caused by localized disintegration of the pavement surface. Potholes are typically caused by the continued deterioration of another type of distress, such as alligator cracking, raveling, poor drainage, or a failed patch after pieces of the original pavement surface have been dislodged. Weak spots in the base or subgrade or the severity of the surrounding distress accelerate potholes. Potholes are considered a structural form of deterioration.

Sinkholes are holes that reach past the base of the roadway. This void can occur when the dirt below the base has washed away, causing the upper surfaces to fall through.

Ditches are rectangular excavations in the roadway. These cuts are made by utilities and plumbers to reach underground lines. The contractors are responsible for filling the ditch and paving it temporarily, and notifying the City upon completion of their work. The City will make a permanent repair to the roadway.

To report a pothole within the City of Portland's jurisdiction, leave a message with the following information: street location, nearest cross street or block address, your name and phone number.

For more information about potholes, read this Pothole Backgrounder.

To report a pothole in other jurisdictions outside Portland city limits, use the following numbers:

diagram from King County Department of Transportation