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More than 400 citizens with highway concerns took advantage of the Highway Helpline during its first month of operation, the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation has announced. And of those calls, the number one statewide topic of concern was potholes.
“We are very pleased with this initial response to the Helpline,” said Commissioner Ray D. Pethtel,
By dialing 1-800-367-ROAD, citizens can alert the department to the ever-changing conditions on any section of the more than 54,000 miles of state-maintained roads.
Placed in operation on August ll? the statewide toll-free telephone number will receive information from citizens about highway maintenance or safety problems. Created to increase the department’s accessibility, the Helpline program fosters a team spirit for keeping Virginia’s roads in the best shape possible.
Every call generates a response from the appropriate residency representative within five days of receipt of the Helpline form from the program coordinator. The first month’s statistics indicate that the majority of callers reported more than one concern about a specific road. And although many callers’ concerns did not fall within the areas the program was designed to cover, they too received a response explaining the department’s programs and operations.
A listing of the top areas of concerns generated by highway district follows:
Concerns:
1. Potholes
2. Requests for resurfacing or paving
3. Drainage problems (grading, ditches) and gravel or dust
4. Requests that a road be widened
5. Cutting or removing vegetation obstructing vision
6. Low shoulders, no shoulders and drop offs
7. Bad spots in pavement, rough roads
95.9%