PHOENIX -- Drivers, prepare yourselves for some rocky roads ahead.
A spokesperson for the
Arizona Department of Transportation says it may take crews longer to respond to repair calls this winter due to budget cuts.
"I'd like to say we can get to it the next day, but because of our budget situation, it may take some time," said Doug Nintzel with ADOT. "We have some concerns about the future."
The City of Phoenix repairs approximately 30,000 potholes every year.
"If you don't see it coming, it's a surprise," said Susan Howard with the City of Phoenix. "It'll jar your vehicle, it'll definitely wake you up."
Hitting a pothole can throw off the alignment of your car and could even cause a broken shock or strut.
Insurance companies estimate rocky roads cost each of us $400 every year in operating costs.
"They do damage to cars, they can cause a flat, they can cause a rim to be damaged," Howard said. "We like to get them fixed before that happens."
This winter, however, drivers may have to get used to more potholes than usual due to ADOT having to make up a $100 million budget shortfall.
That means having to prioritize.
"Our priority, because of budget cuts, is going to be safety-related things," Nintzel added. "Responding to crashes, fixing a guardrail. A pothole may not be at the top of the priority list."
Phoenix has only four crews to repair potholes for the entire city, which even Mayor Phil Gordon admits makes it impossible to maintain a regular maintenance schedule.
Nonetheless, if you know of a road that needs repair, spokespersons for the city and state say that it will get fixed eventually, maybe just not as fast as you'd like.
To report a pothole on an interstate or highway in Arizona, call ADOT at 602-712-7355.
To report a pothole on a City of Phoenix street, call 602-262-6441.
