 News media contact:
John Brady
(503) 577-8236
john.brady@portlandoregon.gov
@pbotinfo
PBOT News Advisory:
PBOT launches Patch-a-thon to fill potholes caused by winter storms. Extra crews will be added to address pothole backlog.
 Visit http://arcg.is/2l9qAGt to view the Portland Patch-a-thon Pothole Map.
(Feb. 22, 2017) Starting tomorrow, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) will launch Patch-a-thon, a new initiative to fill the numerous potholes caused by this season's many winter storms.
There is currently a backlog of more than 1,000 potholes that have been identified by residents and city crews. During Patch-a-thon, PBOT will dedicate extra crews and resources to address the current backlog. During normal operations, PBOT has two to three crews repairing potholes. During Patch-a-thon, this number will rise to 12 to 15 crews.
Transportation Commissioner Dan Saltzman will help kick off the effort by helping a crew fill a pothole on Thursday. The first two days of Patch-a-thon will be Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24. In the coming weeks, PBOT will hold a Patch-a-thon on those days when the weather permits effective and safe pothole repair. PBOT will continue Patch-a-thon until the winter pothole backlog has been cleared.
PBOT crews fill more than 8,000 potholes a year, working year round. The work is weather dependent and crews are sometimes diverted to emergencies such as landslides.
Portlanders are encouraged to report potholes by sending a detailed description and photos to PBOT dispatchers by email pdxroads@portlandoregon.gov or by using the PDX Reporter App. They can also call 503-823-1700, PBOT's 24 hour maintenance line.
PBOT will also publish an interactive pothole map, so that Portlanders can track Patch-a-thon's progress.
Who: Transportation Commissioner Dan Saltzman and PBOT road maintenance crews
What: Start of Patch-a-thon pothole repair initiative
When: PBOT crews will be filling potholes along NE Weidler and NE Broadway Streets in the vicinity of Martin Luther King Blvd between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Commissioner Dan Saltzman will be helping crews to fill potholes at 9:30 am in the vicinity of NE Weidler and NE 6th Avenue. PBOT PIOs will also be available to discuss Patch-a-thon.
Where: NE Weidler and Broadway Streets east and west of Martin Luther King Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Visuals: Media will have the opportunity to film and take pictures of PBOT crews filling potholes and Commissioner Saltzman helping crews fill potholes. PBOT PIOs will demonstrate on-line system PBOT uses to track potholes.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation
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