Maryland crews attack potholes

Related article: Pothole season arrives early

After weeks of plowing snow from Maryland's 17,000 miles of state highway, the State Highway Administration is dealing with the byproduct of snow and ice: potholes.

The SHA said there already are plenty out there and the number will grow in the weeks ahead as melting snow continues to seep into pavement cracks, freezing overnight and busting up the roadways. During the winter, SHA uses temporary "cold patch" until warmer weather permits permanent repairs. In fiscal 2009, SHA's statewide expenditures for pothole patching were $2.4 million.

The SHA only is responsible for potholes on state roadways -- any roadway with a number designation -- while counties and local governments fill them on non-numbered secondary roads and residential streets. There is a form available on line to alert the SHA of a pothole.