As part of the ongoing effort to battle potholes plaguing Tennessee’s roadways, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Wednesday announced a new hotline for drivers to report those potholes.
“We all know it’s been a terrible year for potholes and here at TDOT we are always looking for ways to improve our customer service,” TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley said. “For the citizens, this hotline will give them another convenient way to report maintenance problems on our interstates and state routes. For TDOT, this centralized way of receiving, processing, and tracking information will enhance our operations.”
The state government agency said Tennesseans can call 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) to report potholes and other roadway maintenance related issues.
A virtual call center will operate on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to handle drivers’ reports.
TDOT has struggled to maintain Tennessee’s roads.
Back in January, it announced a $3.3 million plan to repair potholes on state highways after it said winter storms caused problems.
“As the weather allows, multiple crews will be patching potholes over the coming days and weeks. Cold mix asphalt is currently being used for repairs. Asphalt plants may open during the day and allow crews to use hot mix for more permanent repairs in some areas,” TDOT said at the time. “However, it may be spring or early summer before more permanent repairs are made throughout the state. Full-scale paving may be necessary to repair more severe locations fully. Dedicated crews will be assigned to interstates, while smaller groups will focus on state routes.”
During National Work Zone Awareness Week in April, TDOT asked Tennesseans to be cautious of roadway workers as part of an initiative called “Work With Us.”
“Hundreds of TDOT employees are working on our highways each day,” TDOT said when announcing that initiative. “We need motorists to work with us by moving over and slowing down for our workers and first responders along our interstates and state routes. We ask drivers to pay attention to signs, observe the hands-free law, reduce your speed, and move over when possible.”
_ _ _
Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
