Pothole Blitz 2006

Crews Blitz Potholes To Make City Streets Safer

To keep the City safe and get ahead of the anticipated increase in pothole complaints, Public Works Agency crews started a Citywide pothole filling blitz in May 2006. The City receives 200 pothole complaints a month citywide; however, many more go unreported.

The pothole blitz is a 3-month effort, one week each in May, June, and July. During the May blitz, crews filled 922 of the estimated 1,500-1,700 potholes in maintenance zone one.

Oakland’s pothole problem has worsened with the record-breaking amount of rain this year. This year’s record rainfall has created much more damage to City streets than normal. As a result, there are more potholes because of the damage that water does to the tack coat or "glue" between asphalt layers.

"The pothole blitz is our attempt to work smarter and use staff more efficiently," said Raul Godinez, II, Public Works Agency Director. "In early fall we utilize our crews to pre-storm by clearing storm drains, inlets and gutters in anticipation of winter rains. This springtime pothole blitz represents our post-storming activity to address the anticipated increase in potholes," Godinez said.

Results of the May Pothole Blitz:
Total Potholes: 922

Monday, May 1, 2006

• 150 potholes repaired in 32 locations
• 4 trenches paved
• 2 manholes paved

Tuesday May 2, 2006

• 88 potholes repaired in 16 locations
• Including large portion of intersection at 20th St and Webster St

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

• 209 potholes repaired in 41 locations
• 6 trenches paved
• 3 manholes paved

Thursday, May 4, 2006

• 290 potholes repaired in 65 locations
• 11 trenches paved
• 4 manholes paved

Friday, May 5, 2006

• 185 potholes in 40 locations
• 12 trenches paved
• 5 manholes paved
• Including Telegraph Ave at Highway 24 Northbound, 4 large skin patches using 24 tons of asphalt

Results of the July Pothole Blitz:
Total Potholes: 575

Monday, July 10, 2006

• 107 potholes repaired

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

•  86 potholes repaired

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

• 110 potholes repaired
• 1 driveway repaired
• 6 street lanes repaired

Thursday, July 13, 2006

• 187 potholes repaired
• 1 driveway repaired
• 2 street lanes repaired

Friday, July 14, 2006

• 85 potholes repaired
• 3 bridge approaches repaired
• 1 inlet pipe replacement