How we protect and fix Boston's streets

We fill potholes

Potholes happen when water gets under the pavement, eventually causing the pavement to sink and break down. It usually takes two business days to fill a pothole, but it could take longer if it is hard to reach the pothole. Making repairs in the winter can be difficult and expensive, so we only make temporary fixes in the winter. In the Spring, we make permanent fixes.

• Want to report a pothole? You can make an online service request with 311 or file a report with the BOS:311 app.
• If you see a pothole on a state-owned road, call the state at 857-368-4636 or file a report online.
• If a pothole on a Boston road damaged your car, you can file a claim with the City Clerk.

We Build pedestrian access ramps

When a street is resurfaced or reconstructed, we guide the installation of ramps that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. To replace a ramp, you need to dig out where the old ramp was and level the area. The ramp is made by using boards and concrete, and the concrete is brushed to create a nonstick surface.

we Repair sidewalks

We fix damaged sidewalks by first digging up and leveling the area. We use boards and concrete to create the sidewalk, and brush the concrete to create a nonstick surface.

we Resurface asphalt on City roads

Every year, we help manage the resurfacing of over 200 streets in the City. The process involves building or upgrading sidewalks and pedestrian access ramps, milling and paving the street, and re-painting lines in the road. A typical street resurfacing usually takes about two weeks to complete. You can view a list of City streets that will be resurfaced.

we inspect and reconstruct roadways

We visually inspect the condition of streets and sidewalks in the City every three years. We grade on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the worst and 100 the best. Using these grades, we figure out what streets and sidewalks need work. If we notice major damage on a roadway, we’ll do the work needed to make repairs. We expect reconstructed roadways to last at least 20 years before more work is needed.

We help coordinate projects in Boston

We issue nearly 8,000 construction permits each year and supervise all projects that utility companies, private contractors, and other agencies perform on the road. With our City of Boston Utility Coordination Software, we can keep track of all the projects in the City. We also use the software to let utility companies, private contractors, and other agencies know what streets can be worked on.