Reporting a Pothole Could Earn You Dollars in Moline

Posted 01/06/12

Potholes are an inevitable side effect of Midwestern winters. The Moline Public Works Street Division announces the start of its annual "Pothole of the Month" contest, which runs January - through March 31.

On a monthly basis, the City will award a $50 gift certificate to the Moline resident who reports the largest pothole. All potholes are repaired within 48-hours or by the next working day following the report, weather permitting. Moline residents may enter the contest by calling the Pothole Hotline at 309-524-2407 and leave their name, phone number, address and the location of the pothole. Potholes may also be reported using the Online Service Request. Official contest rules are available on the city’s website.

The Public Works Department is committed to maintaining arterial and residential streets. Crews rely on residents to report potholes, and residents are encouraged to call the Pothole Hotline. Once the call is logged, a work order is generated and assigned to a field crew. Potholes are usually repaired within two days, weather permitting. Potholes posing safety hazards or those that will likely damage vehicles get immediate repair if possible.

Winter weather is especially hard on city streets. Potholes can be caused by water in the pores and cracks of pavement freezing and expanding, then thawing. More moisture can then enter and the cycle repeats. The repeated expansion weakens and breaks apart the pavement, and as vehicles drive over the weakened areas, potholes are gouged from the concrete or asphalt surface.

When applicable, City crews operate high-pressure asphalt injectors to make pothole repairs while other City crews use a truck mounted hot mix machine to fill potholes by hand. Also, a contractor may be hired to make permanent repairs by rebuilding the pavement around the potholes. Street maintenance crews repair potholes throughout the year, not just after winter weather.