More Potholes Are Popping Up In Newton: Here’s How To Report Them

NEWTON, MA — As the winter weather causes more potholes on Newton’s streets, the city is asking residents to “be their eyes” and report them to the Department of Public Works.

Potholes are caused when asphalt ages and loses its flexibility, allowing water to seep into it and under it. When the water freezes, it expands and bends, which cracks and weakens the pavement. Then, when the ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps underneath it.

This freezing and thawing happens over and over during winters in Newton, weakening and cracking the pavement more and more. When the weight of cars and trucks over weakened spots, the pavement is broken up and a pothole appears.

"Newton’s DPW crews have repaired more than 310 potholes since January 1, and two or three crews are working as weather permits to repair more,” said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a community update last week. "Already, we’ve used more than 22 tons of asphalt on the repairs this season.”

"We still have potholes appearing and we’re asking for your help,” she continued. "Please be our eyes out on the roads. When you see a pothole, report it through our 311 system so we can get it fixed. If we know about the pothole, we will fix it."

Residents can report potholes via Newton’s 311 smartphone app, by accessing Newton’s 311 system on a computer through the city’s website, or by calling 311.

Although potholes are inevitable, the number of them will decrease as the city continues to repair the roads, said Fuller. Newton’s DPW crews have already repaved 47 miles of roadway over the past three years.