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SDOT: Seattle crews filled 90% of reported potholes within 72 hours in 2024; department outlines limits and longer-term work
Summary
SDOT briefed the transportation committee on the city’s pothole repair program, describing a largely reactive first-response patching process, annual volumes of 15,000–25,000 potholes, a 72‑hour response goal (80% target), and larger capital paving programs funded by the 2024 transportation levy to address long-term pavement needs.
Seattle Department of Transportation officials briefed the City Council Transportation Committee on July 15 on how the city responds to potholes, the limits of short-term repairs and the larger investments intended to reduce recurring pavement failures.
SDOT pavement engineering manager Elsa Tibbetts explained the agency treats pothole repair as a short-term “band aid” to keep streets serviceable while arterial major maintenance (AMM) or full reconstruction restore pavement life. Tibbetts said, “A pothole is an abrupt depression in the roadway, typically where traffic loading has broken loose a section of pavement,” and noted potholes most frequently appear after precipitation and freeze-thaw cycles that weaken pavement layers.
Key figures SDOT presented: - Seattle has approximately 1,153 arterial lane miles to maintain. - SDOT typically fills…
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