News Summary
Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence has become a hazard, with potholes damaging nearly a dozen vehicles recently. Local residents report difficulty in navigating the area, prompting drivers to file damage claims with RIDOT. Despite state crews beginning to patch the most problematic potholes, the issue is expected to worsen, especially with fluctuating weather conditions. Mayor Roberto DaSilva has encouraged community members to report potholes via social media to assist local authorities in addressing the ongoing problem.
East Providence – Potholes on Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence have caused damage to nearly a dozen vehicles over the past week, prompting at least 10 drivers to file damage claims with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). The potholes are located near St. Mary’s Academy Bay View, making it difficult for drivers to navigate the area safely.
Local residents report making unsafe maneuvers to avoid these potholes, with one resident expressing particular difficulty navigating the problem due to recent spinal surgery. The issue has drawn the attention of state authorities, where crews were spotted on Friday filling and patching some of the most problematic potholes in the area.
Historically, this time of year is known for an increase in pothole issues due to fluctuating temperatures and significant rainfall. Recent heavy rains have exacerbated road conditions, leading to new potholes forming throughout the region. A RIDOT spokesperson acknowledged existing concerns about pavement quality and informed the public that a contractor has milled the road in preparation for paving work, which is scheduled to begin Sunday night and is anticipated to last about one week, weather permitting.
Motorists experiencing vehicle damage from potholes are advised to file damage claims online. However, it’s important to note that state reimbursement for pothole-related vehicle damage is capped at $300, and claims must be filed through local authorities. This comes in light of a 2023 AAA survey indicating a significant nationwide increase—specifically, a 57% rise in vehicle damage due to potholes compared to the previous year, impacting an estimated 44 million U.S. drivers.
The average cost for pothole-related repairs is approximately $406. Repairs may include damage to wheels, tires, suspension systems, and steering components. In some cases, repairing a damaged tire and rim can escalate costs to over $1,200, especially when additional repairs are needed for suspension and realignment. This alarming trend has prompted officials to encourage drivers to practice caution when navigating roads known to have potholes.
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva has called for community involvement in addressing the pothole issue, urging residents to report potholes using social media as a means to help identify and confirm problem areas effectively.
As the weather continues to change, officials anticipate that the pothole issue is expected to intensify, with March frequently cited as the worst month for such road conditions historically. Recent severe weather across Rhode Island has led to an increased number of complaints about potholes, further supporting claims made by The Clunker Junker, which labeled Rhode Island as the “pothole capital” of the U.S. based on social media complaints relative to road length.
Chris Magee, a local resident, remarked on encountering a particularly deep pothole, nicknamed “the widow maker,” which he suspects may have caused damage to his vehicle.
The situation on Pawtucket Avenue points to broader issues affecting roads across the state and highlights the need for swift infrastructure improvements to mitigate the risks posed by potholes to both vehicles and drivers.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Potholes on East Providence Road Damage Nearly a Dozen Cars
- Wikipedia: Pothole
- Patch: Bumpy Roads Ahead as Pothole Season Enters its Peak in Rhode Island
- Google Search: Potholes Impact on Vehicles
- KPTV: Man Dies After Hitting Pothole at Notorious SE Portland Intersection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road
- Turn to 10: East Providence Wants Help in Locating Potholes
- Google News: Pothole Repair Solutions
- WPRI: Large Hole Opens Up on I-195 West in East Providence
- Patch: Rhode Island Potholes are Among Country’s Worst, New Analysis Shows
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
