18-02-2025
How to report pothole damage in Columbus and central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus and central Ohio is in the midst of second winter with an arctic blast bursting through the area. The cold and snow has always made driving more difficult with slippery roads and increased potholes.
If you are driving around central Ohio and sustain car damage from a pothole, there are multiple ways to report it and get reimbursed for the repair costs. Here is what to know on how to report and who to report to.
The City of Columbus covers over 6,000 miles of roadway with city roads and portions of a few highways. If you encounter pothole damage on a city road or portions of State Routes 315, 33 and 104 that are within Columbus boundaries, you can report the damage at this link.
You start by contacting the 311 Service Center and report the location of the pothole. Street maintenance investigators will then locate the pothole and get it filled.
The question of reimbursement is left to the city attorney's office. You can follow this link to to file a claim about receiving repair costs. One of two conditions must be met for your claim to be considered:
The city had actual or constructive notice of the pothole and failed to respond in a reasonable amount of time or responded in a negligent manner
The city, in a general sense, maintains its roadways negligently
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If you encounter vehicle damage from a pothole on a state roadway, then you would report the pothole and file a claim to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
All interstate highways as well as multiple U.S. and state routes are under ODOT's purview. You can follow this link for a more detailed look at which roads are under ODOT.
You can file a claim to ODOT by clicking here where you must provide details on the occurrence and potential damage. If you sustain damage on the Ohio Turnpike, you can file a separate claim at this link.
You can send NBC4 your experience dealing with potholes in Columbus and around central Ohio. If you have an issue about it, tell us about it by filling this form below with your photos or videos.
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