Streets Services

Potholes

Potholes, line cracks and alligator cracks are defects in the roadway caused by environmental factors such as heat and rain. Natural forces begin the deterioration by creating small cracks. As the cracks grow deeper, chunks of the pavement material separate and are pulled out as cars pass over them or as rains lift them. If left unchecked, they can erode the dirt underneath the road way and create sink holes.

The City of Riverside Paving Crews rehabilitate small streets, parking lots, and alleys. They will also inspect and mitigate road hazards. Larger paving rehabilitation projects are generally contracted to outside paving companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I report a pothole?
• What information is needed when reporting damage to a street?
• What is the difference between a pothole and a hole in the street?
• What is considered "an emergency" when asphalt is damaged?
• What happens after the city is notified of damage to the asphalt?
• How long will it take to have the repairs done by the city?
• A crew just put a dark substance on my street. What are they doing?
• How long after the slurry seal is applied can I drive on it?

How do I report a pothole?

Contact the 311 Call Center to report street problems.

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What information is needed when reporting damage to a street?

Details Help!

• Water bubbling out of the street is probably a water line.
• Water from a manhole could be a sewer issue.

Precise information about the location of the damage is required for the crews to locate the problem. "On Van Buren near Jurupa" is often not enough information to actually locate the problem being called in.

Adding estimated distance and direction or landmarks such as "on Van Buren next to the golf course, five to ten feet from Jurupa" will assist the crews to properly identify a location. We may ask if there are certain odors present, how deep the hole is and its general size/shape. Providing this information can help get the problem corrected sooner.

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What is the difference between a pothole and a hole in the street?

Nothing. People often refer to any damage sustained by a street as a "pothole" or as a "hole in the street". When reporting a problem, describe the damage as accurately as possible so the Street Division can properly respond to the situation. A pothole in the street (missing asphalt) may cause traffic hazard conditions or undermine the stability of the ground, while alligator cracks (broken asphalt) may cause an uncomfortable ride but is not a hazard.

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What is considered "an emergency" when asphalt is damaged?

Any damage to asphalt where water appears to be coming from the damaged area or is an immediate hazard to motorists or pedestrians is considered to be an emergency. If you believe an emergency situation exists, please contact the 311 Call Center and provide a detailed description of the situation. A Street Services crew or Supervisor will be dispatched to assess the danger and to mitigate it as needed.

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What happens after the city is notified of damage to the asphalt?

If the damage is identified as an emergency, Public Works Division staff will be immediately dispatched to assess the issue. If the damage is not an emergency, an inspection will be scheduled within 24-48 hours. Once the inspection is made, the location, size, and description of the damage is recorded, regardless of whether the damage is routine or an emergency. The Public Works Division staff will decide what steps need to be taken to mitigate the problem. If rehabilitation of the street is necessary the street is added to a list of rehabilitation work.

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How long will it take to have the repairs done by the city?

Patching of potholes is prioritized on the severity of the problem and the amount of traffic the area is likely to experience. If Public Works Division staff determines that the pothole is an immediate danger, the appropriate steps will be taken to mitigate the problem. We strive to repair all non-emergency potholes within a 24-48 hour timeframe once reported. Stormy weather requires all crews to assist with storm related issues which may require a longer repair time for reported potholes.

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A crew just put a dark substance on my street. What are they doing?

To extend the life of existing pavement and to protect the under-surface from water seepage, the Street Division will apply a sealant to the surface of the street. The sealant is called a "slurry seal".  Slurry sealing is the most versatile and cost effective way to preserve and protect city streets.

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How long after the slurry seal is applied can I drive on it?

The length of time the slurry seal has to "cure" depends on the temperature and moisture of the air. Dry hot summer days can cure the sealant in as little as three hours. Wet cooler days can take the sealant as long as four hours to cure. Driving on tacky or uncured sealant can cause severe damage to the vehicle and to the street surface.

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