Albuquerque’s public works department has been busy repairing the city’s streets after recent rain and temperature swings left thousands of potholes in the pavement. According to city officials, crews have filled about 2,000 potholes in the last thirty days.
How repairs are prioritized
Residents are asked to report potholes through the city’s 3‑1‑1 service. Once a request is logged, crews pull the day’s list and work through it, aiming to address each call within 24 hours. Calls that come in after normal business hours are placed at the top of the next morning’s list, ensuring that urgent hazards are dealt with quickly.
What the city says about the effort
“We go off of 3‑1‑1 requests and we will just work on that list for the day and we respond to those within 24 hours, and if the call comes in after hours, those are the first potholes that will get done the following morning,” a city spokesperson explained. The department emphasizes that the rapid response helps keep drivers safe and reduces vehicle damage caused by untreated potholes.
How residents can help
City officials continue to encourage anyone who spots a pothole to call 3‑1‑1 and provide the exact location. Detailed information—such as cross streets or nearby landmarks—helps crews locate the problem faster and allocate resources efficiently.
Why the recent surge in potholes?
Heavy rain followed by fluctuating temperatures caused the asphalt to expand and contract, creating cracks that quickly turned into potholes. While the city’s road network is regularly maintained, extreme weather events can accelerate wear and tear, prompting a temporary increase in repair activity.
Looking ahead
The public works department plans to continue monitoring the 3‑1‑1 system for new reports and will keep crews on standby during periods of inclement weather. By maintaining a steady flow of repairs, the city aims to preserve the safety and reliability of Albuquerque’s roadways for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
For more information or to report a pothole, residents can call 3‑1‑1 or visit the city’s official website.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
