How to report a pothole and get money for damage

CLEVELAND - It’s the freeze-thaw weather that is driving up potholes all around Northeast Ohio.

The mild winter may feel good but it may have pushed ahead a 'hole' lot of these road ruts. Winter patch crews are already out in full force this season.

But the City of Cleveland has a hot new asphalt designed to prolong the patches they set each winter.

"It's taking recycled asphalt from last years resurfacing program and using it to fill the potholes this year,” Cleveland Commissioner of Traffic Engineering and Streets Robert Mavec said. “The goal is to reduce the amount of cold mix that we use in the winter time which is a less durable patch."

Because the new mix is made from recycled materials, it's both eco and budget friendly. Mavec noted with six to eight crews putting down three to six tons of repair asphalt per day, the savings are substantial.

"It’s more durable patch that should last longer and its a lot cheaper than the cold mix. The cold mix runs a little more than 90 dollars a ton whereas the recycled asphalt we are basically producing for free," Mavec asserted.

But potholes are still an expensive issue not just for the city but also drivers. The average cost to replace a tire is between $100 and $200.

So what can you do if you have a troublesome pothole in your area?

First report the pothole by calling the City of Cleveland at 216.664.2510 (24 hours a day, every day of the week). You can also send an email by following the link from the Street Operations Potholes page.

According to the city’s website, Cleveland has twelve to sixteen crews working to fill potholes in the city’s approximately 10,200 main and residential streets. The more reports a pothole receives, the more likely it is to be repaired sooner rather than later.

Also, vehicle damage claims can be reported to the Department of Law Moral Claims Division at 216.664.2671. Claimants will be required to fill out claim forms. The Law Department will review the claim and determine if the claimant is entitled to reimbursement for damages.