New Pothole Problems In Malibu Prompt 218 Repairs

MALIBU, CA — The relentless stream of atmospheric rivers ravaged California's roads, leading to thousands of potholes on freeways, highways and surface streets across the Golden State. If it seems worse than usual — it is.

From a pothole on an overpass that sent debris flying onto the 5 in Glendale in mid-March to several large potholes that developed on State Route 71 in Pomona that damaged 30 vehicles, snarled traffic for miles, and prompted several nights of closures to repair, navigating the storms has been anything but pleasant.

According to Caltrans, the unrelenting nature of the winter storms and early spring have provided precisely the conditions that are ripe for potholes to form.

"When it rains or snows, you get water that seeps through cracks in the pavement, then the base layer in the soil underneath the road becomes saturated," said Allison Colburn, a public information officer for Caltrans. "This eventually leaves a void underneath the road. So when vehicles drive over the cracked pavement, repeatedly...the surface then breaks and collapses into the void."

The city of Malibu has repaired 218 potholes since Jan. 1, according to city spokesman Matt Myerhoff.

On a wider scale, Caltrans' Los Angeles and Ventura county district has seen crews fill north of 8,000 potholes between New Year's Day and March 20 — a figure nearly three times higher than the same time last year.

Caltrans actively monitors roads across the region during storm events, and crews respond as possible to the hundreds of reports filed by drivers.

"They're basically prioritized by the availability of resources, but also the priority of how bad the damage is," Colburn said. "A small pothole that's maybe not causing any damage or issues, that's going to be prioritized behind a large pothole in the middle of a lane."

Spot a pothole that needs repair? You'll need to go to the agency which maintains the particular road.

The city of Malibu maintains city-owned streets. Residents can report potholes to the Malibu Public Works Department at 310-456-2489, ext. 391 during business hours, by emailing mpublicworks@malibucity.org, or by calling all the city’s 24/7 hotline at 310-456-2489, ext. 311.

For drivers who spot a pothole on state roads, Caltrans said using its online customer service request portal is the best bet.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works maintains roads in unincorporated areas, such as those just outside the city limits in the Santa Monica Mountains. The department has a pothole repair form on its website.

Drivers who believe their vehicle was damaged by a pothole on a state road, and that Caltrans was responsible, can seek compensation from the agency, but Colburn cautions that getting a claim approved is not a sure thing.

"I want to clarify that under California law, Caltrans does not insure vehicles for damage on our highways," Colburn said. "There is a driver responsibility component here. Drivers in California must exercise caution on all roads and have car insurance to cover liability and property damage. In limited circumstances, Caltrans may be statutorily responsible for damage to a vehicle."

For damage valued up to $10,000, drivers can submit a claim online. Anything higher is handled separately by California's Government Claims Program.

For damage incurred on Malibu roads, residents can use the city's online claims form.