See a Pothole: Report a Pothole

By Linda Bock (Patch Staff)

In the wake of the brutal winter weather in the region, tire-hungry potholes are proliferating and pockmarking roadways as quickly as crews repair them.

Local and state crews have been out in recent weeks fixing potholes.

To report potholes on state roads, call MassDOT at (857) 368-4636, or toll-free at (877) 623-6846, or visit MassDOT’s online contact information web page to send an e-mail.

To report potholes on local roads in Natick, call the town’s Public Works Department at (508) 647-6400.

Potholes result as water from snow and rain seeps into small cracks in the roadway surface, according to state highway officials. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, making the cracks larger until potholes form. Heavy traffic, pavement age, vehicle weights and snow and ice operations contribute to the problem.

• Why Do They Call Them Potholes?

Under State Law, Chapter 81, Section 18 of the Massachusetts General Laws states if a pothole causes damage to your vehicle, the State and Town is not liable. You must report the damage to your personal automobile insurance company.