San Diego is facing a fresh spurt of pothole complaints following a series of November rains, with the city's Get It Done app recording 249 repair requests since last Thursday. Crews from the City of San Diego's Transportation Department are tackling the issue, despite the wet conditions that are complicating their repair efforts.
With the persistent downpour, potholes are becoming more abundant on the streets. These road blemishes result from water infiltrating through cracks in the asphalt, undermining the layers beneath until the surface ultimately gives way. Given these conditions, Johnny Navarro, the Assistant Deputy Director of the Transportation Department, mentioned that while emergency repairs are conducted with bagged asphalt during rain, the main repair work begins after the weather clears. "Pothole operations don't stop entirely. We're still able to utilize bagged asphalt as needed for emergencies. However, the real work comes once the rain lifts," Navarro told CBS 8.
Despite the recent spike in pothole formation, the city was better prepared for the rainy season this year with a backlog of less than 100 reported potholes before the rainfall - a historically low figure. The improvement is due in part to an expanded fleet and a staff operating at full capacity, according to a statement from the city, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego. The introduction of new, electric pothole patch trucks has been a key factor in increasing the pace and number of repairs being carried out.
The Transportation Department currently operates nine pothole patching teams and has received praise for its efficiency — even amid the deluge. "The Transportation Department’s Pothole Patching program is performing optimally this fiscal year and was carrying a historically low backlog of reported potholes," expressed the city, per NBC 7 San Diego. Following the rains, citizens have reported new potholes on Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach, Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa, and along Balboa through Tecolote Canyon, among others. In response, the city is urging residents to report potholes via the Get It Done app or the county's Tell Us Now app, which can help prioritize and streamline the repair process.
