Cleveland Crews to Begin Fixing Residential Potholes

City's annual pothole repair program kicks off after harsh winter damages streets

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:56pm

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A bold, abstract illustration composed of a repeating pattern of a single, iconic pothole shape in bright, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the city's efforts to address road damage.Cleveland's annual pothole repair program aims to restore the city's streets to a smoother, safer condition for drivers.Cleveland Today

The City of Cleveland will soon begin its annual pothole repair program, focusing first on residential streets that have been damaged by the winter's freeze-thaw cycles. City crews will use hot-mix asphalt produced at their own plants to make more durable, long-term fixes, while also planning to resurface $20 million worth of roadways this year.

Why it matters

Potholes can pose safety hazards for drivers and damage vehicles, so the city's pothole repair efforts are crucial for maintaining safe and drivable roads, especially in residential neighborhoods. The city's commitment to resurfacing streets also indicates a broader focus on improving overall road conditions.

The details

Crews will focus on filling potholes on residential streets after previously prioritizing main roads during the winter months. The city operates its own asphalt plants, where workers carefully mix materials to create hot-mix asphalt for more permanent repairs, rather than just using temporary 'cold patch' material. The pothole repair program is expected to run through the end of May.

  • The city's pothole repair program will begin in the coming weeks as temperatures have warmed.
  • The residential pothole repair effort is expected to run through the end of May 2026.

The players

John Laird

Director of Public Works for the City of Cleveland, overseeing the city's pothole repair and road resurfacing efforts.

City of Cleveland

The local government responsible for maintaining and repairing the city's 3,000 miles of streets.

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What they’re saying

“Filling potholes is one thing, but we really want to make the conditions of our streets better. So alongside us filling potholes you'll also see us resurfacing streets.”

— John Laird, Director of Public Works

What’s next

The city will continue its pothole repair program through the end of May, while also launching a $20 million road resurfacing initiative to address longer-term street improvements across Cleveland.

The takeaway

Cleveland's proactive approach to pothole repair and street resurfacing demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining safe and drivable roads for residents, especially in residential neighborhoods that can be impacted by harsh winter weather conditions.