RICHMOND—Two weeks after the “pothole blitz” began, Virginia Department of Transportation crews have patched, repaired or filled more than 43,000 potholes, according to Gov. Bob McDonnell.

At the end of February, McDonnell instructed VDOT to focus its attention during the month of March on potholes throughout the state. Many potholes formed due to the cold, icy winter.

“VDOT has made great strides in addressing this year’s bumper crop of potholes,” McDonnell said, “but there is still work to be done.”

Potholes form when paving freezes and thaws repeatedly. They have continued forming during March because of the wet weather and varying temperatures.

“We know that potholes create more than bumpy rides for motorists,” McDonnell said. “They are roadway hazards.”

For the fiscal year ending June 30, VDOT has budgeted $45.8 million for asphalt and concrete patching.

Pothole patching is prioritized according to how serious the hole is and where it is located. Crews are assigned certain areas and work their way through the route, filling potholes as they go.

As part of the blitz, McDonnell called on Virginians to help by reporting potholes.

“I would like to thank the citizens that have helped by reporting potholes on VDOT’s Web site and by calling in as they see potholes develop in their travels,” he said. “With everyone’s help, we continue making great progress.”

VDOT repairs potholes only on state-maintained roads, such as interstate highways.

How to Report a Pothole

To report a pothole so it can be patched, call 800-367-7623 (ROAD) or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.