Fenty, Klein Announce 'Potholepalooza'

The beginning of spring is the time of year when potholes pop up on city streets the most; asphalt expanding and contracting with fluxuating temperatures lead directly to cracks and gaps in our roads. So it's no big surprise that new acting director of the District Department of Transportation, Gabe Klein, today announced this year's pothole filling blitz alongside Mayor Adrian Fenty. That Fenty and Klein decided to rename this year's program "Potholepalooza" is, however, plenty funny. We assume the 'palooza part is necessary to combat the oncoming Potholepocalypse. Can DCist start suggesting other names for city government programs, too? How about a summertime Ratastrophe initiative as part of the District's War on Rats?

According to the press release, "Potholepalooza" is a month-long campaign to encourage residents and commuters to report potholes, starting today and running through April 11. As in years past, the city is aiming for 48 hour response times to most pothole reports.

You can report a pothole by calling the Mayor’s Call Center at 311, filling out a request through the Online Service Request Center at dc.gov, or, new this year, emailing potholepalooza@dc.gov or tweeting a message to twitter.com/DDOTDC. Make sure to identify the location, including the correct quadrant (NW, NE, SE, SW) and as much detail as possible about the hazard, including the approximate size and depth of the pothole.