After months of heavy rains, many Southern California roads are showing signs of wear and tear.
Potholes have been causing issues for drivers since the storms began arriving last November. In a few weeks of January alone, nearly 3,000 potholes were reported in Los Angeles.
In some cases, sinkholes have opened, including underneath roadways. In Chatsworth, a sinkhole swallowed two cars in January, injuring a mother and daughter.
On Thursday, Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez unveiled their plans to fix the road hazards.
Part of that plan involves city employees driving around the city and searching proactively for potholes, in addition to fixing those reported by the public.
“We absolutely need to solve the problem,” Bass said. “I think Angelenos need to be on the lookout … This is not just a problem of potential damage to your car, but you could certainly be injured as well. It’s a big problem, but I’m very glad to know we’re aggressively responding to this problem.”
Keith Mozee, executive director and general manager of the Bureau of Street Services, estimated that there are about 2,000 potholes left on the department’s list, and he expects them to be remedied by the end of the month.
“We’re making good progress, but as the mayor stated, that’s not enough for anyone who’s been impacted by a pothole,” Mozee said.
City officials suggested anyone whose vehicle has been damaged by a pothole file a claim on the city clerk’s website.
To report a pothole, call 311 or use the 311 app.