Where Are The Worst Potholes In Germantown?

GERMANTOWN, MD — It's pothole season in Maryland, and that means many drivers could face costly repairs in the coming months.

Potholes thrive when water collects in road crevices and expands as it freezes. The weight of passing vehicles, especially heavy trucks, adds to pothole damage.

"The main ingredient for potholes is water from winter precipitation going through several freeze-thaw cycles," said Tim Smith of the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Annually, the State Highway Administration repairs about 34,000 potholes and spends about $3 million on pothole repairs. The average cost of a repair is $90, including material, labor and traffic control.

Between winter storms, crews typically fill potholes in Maryland with a "cold patch" before using hot mix asphalt for a more permanent repair when temperatures are above 50 degrees.

Have you seen potholes around Germantown? Tell us where in the comments!

Hitting a pothole at higher speeds increases the chance of damage, according to AAA, which advises hundreds of dollars in vehicle repairs could ensue.

If drivers can't avoid hitting a pothole, they should slow down and avoid abrupt braking.

Marylanders can notify state officials about where potholes are using this form online; it applies to state roads.

For Germantown roads in Montgomery County, contact the Montgomery County Department of Transportation at 311 or 240-777-0311 to report potholes. Officials say once potholes are inspected, they are usually repaired within three business days.

Private Home Owners Associations (HOA's) within Silver Spring maintain roads that are typically within the HOA boundaries.

In the meantime, drivers should avoid driving through standing water, which can conceal potholes, according to AAA, which advised ensuring tires are inflated to the proper pressure at least once a month.