Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a pothole?

Contact the (dial 311) to report street problems.

What information is needed when reporting damage to a street?

Details Help! Water bubbling out of the street is probably a water line. Water from a manhole could be a sewer issue.

We may ask if there are certain odors present, how deep the hole is and its general size/shape. Providing this information can help get the problem corrected sooner.

What is the difference between a pothole and a hole in the street?

Nothing. People often refer to any damage sustained by a street as a "pothole" or as a "hole in the street". When reporting a problem, describe the damage as accurately as possible so the Street Division can properly respond to the situation. A pothole in the street (missing asphalt) may cause traffic hazard conditions or undermine the stability of the ground, while alligator cracks (broken asphalt) may cause an uncomfortable ride but is not a hazard.

What is considered "an emergency" when asphalt is damaged?

Any damage to asphalt where water appears to be coming from the damaged area or is an immediate hazard to motorists or pedestrians is considered to be an emergency. If you believe an emergency situation exists, please contact the (dial 311) and provide a detailed description of the situation. A Street Services crew or Supervisor will be dispatched to assess the danger and to mitigate it as needed.

What happens after the city is notified of damage to the asphalt?

If the damage is identified as an emergency, Public Works Division staff will be immediately dispatched to assess the issue. If the damage is not an emergency, an inspection will be scheduled within 24-48 hours. Once the inspection is made, the location, size, and description of the damage is recorded, regardless of whether the damage is routine or an emergency. The Public Works Division staff will decide what steps need to be taken to mitigate the problem. If rehabilitation of the street is necessary the street is added to a list of rehabilitation work.

How long will it take to have the repairs done by the city?

Patching of potholes is prioritized on the severity of the problem and the amount of traffic the area is likely to experience. If Public Works Division staff determines that the pothole is an immediate danger, the appropriate steps will be taken to mitigate the problem. We strive to repair all non-emergency potholes within a 24-48 hour timeframe once reported. Stormy weather requires all crews to assist with storm related issues which may require a longer repair time for reported potholes.

The City of Riverside contracts out large street rehabilitation projects. Street conditions are routinely monitored to determine the order in which these projects are to be completed.

A crew just put a dark substance on my street. What are they doing?

To extend the life of existing pavement and to protect the under-surface from water seepage, the Street Division will apply a sealant to the surface of the street. The sealant is called a "slurry seal".  Slurry sealing is the most versatile and cost effective way to preserve and protect city streets.

The materials used to create slurry seal are aggregate, asphalt emulsion and filler. Water can be added as needed to improve workability.

How long after the slurry seal is applied can I drive on it?

The length of time the slurry seal has to "cure" depends on the temperature and moisture of the air. Dry hot summer days can cure the sealant in as little as three hours. Wet cooler days can take the sealant as long as four hours to cure. Driving on tacky or uncured sealant can cause severe damage to the vehicle and to the street surface.