How to Report Potholes in Rhode Island

Just because it’s a little state doesn't mean it can't have huge holes. Potholes pepper the highways and byways of the Ocean State and wreck havoc on many an unsuspecting motorist. Potholes aren’t merely the cause of damage to undercarriages, tires, rims, fenders and more, they can be the root of accidents as drivers swerve to avoid them or pop up out of them too rattled to respond to onrushing traffic. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is committed to repair of the sprouting sinkholes to lessen the chaos on the road. If you fall victim to one of the State’s swallowing holes, take a minute to report it so those following in your wake won’t suffer the same fate as you.

Instructions

1. Find a pothole. Unfortunately, this is the easiest step because it’s generally not about you finding it so much as it is about it finding you.

2. Note the address. The street name is important as are any cross roads. If you can, find the number on the building closest to your pothole. Being as specific as you can will assure that Smooth Streets targets your pothole and not another of the roadway’s pockmarks.

3. Report the pothole and its location by calling the Rhode Island Department of Transportation at 401-222-2378.

4. Email the information instead at: [e-mail]

Tips & Warnings

• The Pothole line is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

• If your car suffers damage as a result of a pothole, you can file a claim with the Department of Transportation, but claims must be received within seven days of the incident.